Post-Doctoral Fellow – Forester Laboratory

University of Colorado • Aurora, CO

1d • $62,232 - $75,352 • Onsite

About The Position

This position reports directly to Craig Forester, MD, PhD, and will work within the Forester Lab, a component of the School of Medicine’s Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and BMT. This position is involved in studies aimed at understanding the role of transcriptional gene regulation in hematopoietic stem cells and mutations found in pediatric bone marrow failure. Specifically, the Fellow will help investigate the role of Taspase1 mutations in early hematopoietic failure. The Fellow is expected to conduct research projects, to think independently, be highly motivated, design and carry out experiments, analyze data, and interpret and publish results. It is the Fellow’s responsibility to fully understand the technical details of Dr. Foresters’ projects as well as how each applies within the larger context of defining novel therapeutic agents in Hematological Research and broadening our understanding of mechanisms underpinning pediatric marrow failure.
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 and induced pluripotent stem cells. Specific duties include:
Design and Performance of Research Experiments (75%25 of Time Spent)
Mechanism based discovery of aberrant transcription in pluripotent tissues.
Characterization of hematopoietic differentiation from iPSCs.
Use of animal model systems to study hematopoietic engraftment.
Engage in self-directed work with bioinformatic core to develop expertise in analysis of nascent transcription, CUT&Run and protoeomics (if not already proficient)
Analysis and Publication of Research Data (20%25 of Time Spent)
Mentoring of students and technical staff (5%25 of Time Spent)
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
Other duties as assigned
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.
This description is a summary only and describes 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

• 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, Sony XDP Sorter, Cytek Aurora 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.
• Experience in bioinformatic analysis of large datasets with proficiency in R or Python
• Candidates that have successfully obtained competitive, extramural funding during their doctoral studies are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mechanism based discovery of aberrant transcription in pluripotent tissues.
• Characterization of hematopoietic differentiation from iPSCs.
• Use of animal model systems to study hematopoietic engraftment.
• Engage in self-directed work with bioinformatic core to develop expertise in analysis of nascent transcription, CUT&Run and protoeomics (if not already proficient)
• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package.
• leave
• health plans
• retirement contributions

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree