Post-Doctoral Fellow - Witkowski Laboratory

Job Summary:

This position reports directly to Dr. Witkowski and is responsible for developing, executing and analyzing data from research projects aimed at understanding metabolic dependencies impacting the biology and function of B-ALL resistance to conventional and immune-based therapies (e.g., CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor therapy). The position is an opportunity for a bright, creative and enthusiastic individual to advance their career by performing impactful, cutting-edge biomedical research in an exciting field of study.

Individuals who are about to graduate or have recently graduated from their doctoral training are preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

This position is expected to work independently under the guidance of the principal investigator. Projects will involve work with research animals and extensive development and use of cutting-edge flow cytometry, molecular biology and cell biology assays on rare bone marrow-derived hematopoietic populations. Specific duties include:

• Identifying and targeting the genetic vulnerabilities in acute leukemia during chimeric antigen-receptor therapy.
• Using animal models of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
• Performing advanced genomic assays and bioinformatic analysis (in collaboration with Department bioinformaticians) of pre-clinical and clinical samples (Single cell RNA seq, ChIP-seq) to ask mechanistic questions.
• Performing in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate leukemia cell biology, particularly during immunotherapy (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor therapy).
• Develops procedures to perform multi-color flow cytometry
• Design and implement projects relating to the laboratory's overall research program.
• Analyze, interpret, and fully document experimental results
• Operate and maintain advanced flow cytometry equipment
• Perform animal husbandry and colony maintenance
• Prepare data and manuscripts for publication
• Prepare grant proposals to obtain independent post-doctoral funding
• Actively participate in and present data at group meetings, journal clubs and conferences
• Work in conjunction with the PI and other lab staff to achieve programmatic goals, including student supervision
• To fulfill job requirements, candidates must receive training, and adhere to institutional standards of best practice in: animal care and handling, radiation and chemical safety, laboratory safety and other areas as determined by the institution and/or PI.
• Other duties as assigned

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.

Work Location: This role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The Department of Pediatrics in the Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant Laboratories, with secondary appointment in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hematology, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU), Denver is looking for a bright, creative and enthusiastic Post-Doctoral Fellow interested in advancing their career in a new, high-impact laboratory headed by an energetic, recently recruited principal investigator, Dr. Matt Witkowski. The lab is part of a richly collaborative interdisciplinary group of basic scientists and clinicians from the immunology, hematology and molecular biology backgrounds with significant resources and expertise in understanding normal B cell progenitor and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) development.

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 doctoral level degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD) in immunology, stem cell biology, experimental hematology, molecular biology, or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• At least one first-author publication in an internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journal.

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidate must be able to work with laboratory animals and animal tissues.
• Candidate must meet eligibility requirements for NIH T32 and F32 postdoctoral fellowship awards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate training in a biomedical laboratory setting, studying immunology, molecular biology, hematology and/or stem cell biology.
• Experience with the use of advanced flow cytometry equipment (including LSRII and FACSAria II) for analysis and sorting of cells, and development of multicolor antibody staining panels.
• Experience in mouse handling, husbandry and dissection.
• Experience in experimental hematology and molecular biology assays and techniques, including HSC isolation and analysis, and high-throughput sequencing.
• Candidates that have successfully obtained competitive, extramural funding during their doctoral studies are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member within a research environment.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with computer software including Microsoft Office.
• Skilled with the use of aseptic mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Skilled with common laboratory techniques and equipment consistent with PhD-level graduate training.
• Ability to commit to an independent scientific career in stem cell biology, immunology, or a related field, with a proven high degree of independence and self-motivation to achieve these ends.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the project.

How to Apply:

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

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

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

Questions should be directed to: Dan Page daniel.page@cuanschutz.edu, justin.le@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 31, 2024.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$65,000 - $75,352 based on years of experience

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 hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu.

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.