Post-Doctoral Fellow

University of Colorado • Aurora, CO

2d • $65,000 - $75,353 • Onsite

About The Position

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.
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 leukemia and adoptive T cell therapeutics (e.g., CAR-T). 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.
The Witkowski Lab is based in the Department of Pediatrics in the Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant Laboratories, and has secondary appointment in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hematology, led by
Principal Investigator, Dr. Matt Witkowski. The lab is part of a richly collaborative interdisciplinary group of basic scientists and clinicians from immunology, hematology and molecular biology backgrounds with significant resources and expertise in understanding normal B cell progenitor and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) development.

Requirements

• 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.
• Candidates must be able to work with laboratory animals and animal tissues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• 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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package.
• To see what benefits are available for Post-Doctoral Fellows, please visit: · Payroll & Benefits Orientation for Post-Doctoral Fellows | University of Colorado (cu.edu) · benefits guide cover-post-doc-2024 (cu.edu)
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees