Postdoctoral Associate

Job Summary:

A full-time postdoctoral fellow position is available for early career scientists with a PhD in Molecular/Cellular Biology, Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, or related fields to join the Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (Aurora, CO, USA). This position provides the opportunity to study basic mechanisms of health disparities in ovarian cancer, with a focus on how inherited genetic variants impact cancer cell biology and signaling, therapy response, and metabolism.

The postdoctoral fellow will lead a project studying genetic risk factors in ovarian cancer. The goals of the project are to determine how a common genetic polymorphism in the gene WNT4 mediates disparities in ovarian cancer outcomes, mechanistically define genotype-driven tumor etiology, and identify therapies to exploit cellular dependence on WNT4. The project will use cell culture and in vivo models to examine how genotype underpins metabolic remodeling in ovarian cancer cells, and how genotype alters tumor development, progression, and therapy response. Studies will utilize standard molecular biology techniques to dissect cell signaling, advanced metabolic analyses in vitro and in vivo , and transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, execute, and interpret studies in an independent manner, with input and mentorship from the principal investigator (Dr. Matthew Sikora) and collaborating co-PI (Dr. Benjamin Bitler).
• Utilize and develop a variety of laboratory techniques required for research projects.
• Maintain rigorous laboratory records in an electronic lab notebook system.
• Provide animal care related to research studies, including conducting transgenic animal tumor studies.
• Present work at local, regional, and national meetings.
• Mentor/train laboratory personnel.
• Contribute to laboratory maintenance.
• Write full-length, high-quality scientific publications.
• Develop grant applications in collaboration with Drs. Sikora and Bitler

Work Location:

Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The Sikora Lab at the U. Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus studies hormone signaling in cancers primarily affecting women, with a focus on estrogen receptor pharmacology and anti-estrogen resistance in breast and gynecologic cancers. We prioritize the career development of laboratory members, as well as open and active communication with our collaborators, the scientific community, and with the patient groups served by our research. We work to make our research readily accessible to the patient and advocate community. Learn more about our group at https://www.sikoralab.com/ .

Training in the Sikora Lab, in collaboration with the Bitler Lab and the Gynecologic Oncology Research Group, will support postdoctoral associates to transition to academic or non-academic careers, as the postdoc will have opportunities to engage in diverse career development opportunities tailored to their needs and interests. Opportunities include:

• Funding for annual attendance and presentation at least one national meeting.
• Mentoring opportunities in the lab with students and summer fellows.
• The unique ability to work with patient/advocate partners and the Ovarian Cancer Innovations Group in the execution of the project and dissemination of our findings.

Grant writing and fellowship application development programs are available through the Sikora Lab and other campus programs. CU Anschutz also has a unique series of career development programs and pathways toward industry, science communication and outreach, science policy, and other career tracks (https://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/career-development ). The postdoc will be encouraged to incorporate these training opportunities based on their career goals.

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness .

Diversity and Equity:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.  

• A Ph.D. in a biomedical sciences-related field at the time of initiating the position is required.
• Extensive experience with cell/tissue culture using transformed cancer cell lines is required.
• Experience with quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, and related molecular biology methods is required.
• A record of co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals is required. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• A record of oral and/or poster presentations at national meetings is preferred.
• A record of leadership roles in research or community programs is preferred.
• Experience with in vivo tumor modeling and animal handling is preferred.
• Experience with metabolic analysis platforms or metabolomics is preferred.
• Experience with tumor handling and processing ex vivo is preferred.
• Experience with lay audience-focused science communication is helpful, but not necessary. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution
• Demonstrated commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in research
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information 

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers .

Questions should be directed to: Dr. Matthew Sikora, [email protected]  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 3/1/2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range ) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

 The above salary range (or hiring range ) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation unless it is non-exempt.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected] ​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .