Postgraduate Scholar - Gorska Lab

National Jewish Health • Denver, CO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

A postdoctoral position is available in the Gorska Lab at National Jewish Health to study non-genetic inheritance of allergic diseases. Non-genetic inheritance is the transmission of traits from parents to offspring through mechanisms that do not involve changes to the DNA sequence. The key triggers of non-genetic inheritance are parental environmental exposures. Non-genetic inheritance of environmental information is postulated to influence allergic diseases. Parental environmental exposures can either promote offspring predisposition to allergic disease, or help offspring develop disease resistance. As such, childhood allergic diseases positively associate with maternal exposure to air pollutants, and negatively, with maternal exposure to the farming environment. Our lab studies the underlying mechanisms. The goals of the lab are to define maternal information that is gained and transmitted to offspring, or lost and not transferred to offspring, elucidate routes of information transfer (placenta, breast milk, gametes), delineate offspring cells that receive maternal information, reveal epigenetic alterations, and study how these cells and epigenetic alterations contribute to the development of allergies and asthma. The lab has particular interest in the immune system. The translational goals are to identify early-life biomarkers of predisposition to allergies and asthma in humans and define targets for development of preventive drugs. To accomplish these goals, our lab uses mouse models, human tissue samples, and a variety of immunological, molecular, epigenetic, epigenomics and transcriptomics approaches. The Postgraduate Research Scholar is a temporary, defined period of mentored advanced training. Postgraduate Research Scholars will focus on enhancing their professional skills and research independence under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator. The training program length is a maximum of five years.

Requirements

• MD or PhD in biology, chemistry or other basic sciences required.
• A minimum of three years of specified experience in technical investigatory techniques during graduate or doctoral training program.

Responsibilities

• Performs, on a very independent basis, all phases of experimental investigations, including being responsible to the Principal Investigator in the planning, developing, operating, recording, collaborating, and reporting of major projects.
• Collaborates with Principal Investigators and senior researchers in the progress of major research projects.
• Provides guidance to laboratory staff in one or more laboratory areas, including technicians, support, and auxiliary staff.
• Performs as the technical advisor on techniques involving complex analyses utilizing highly sophisticated techniques.
• Serves as primary contact with researcher staff for technical services on major techniques, recording devices, and statistical procedures relative to the specifically assigned field.
• Reviews quality control of new or modified laboratory techniques that affect any part of major projects.
• Performs routine and non-routine tests leading to the successful completion of developed experiments.
• Knows and follows age-specific guidelines.
• Performs as a back-up to staff absences and vacancies, as necessary.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical Coverage: Multiple Cigna health plans for Colorado, regional office and remote employees.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) available to pair with some plans.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO accruals to use for vacation and sick days, and six paid holidays, all compliant with Colorado state sick leave regulations.
• Dental & Vision Plans: Coverage effective the first of the month after hire.
• Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan with employer contributions after two years.
• Wellness Incentives: Earn up to $200 annually for preventive health activities.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually for full-time and part-time employees.
• Child Care Assistance: Childcare Flex Spending Account (FSA) with annual employer contribution.
• Loan Forgiveness: Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-paid plans and optional buy-up choices.
• Voluntary Benefits: Full suite of coverage options such as Accident, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Plan
• Exclusive Discounts: Savings on local services, insurance, and RTD bus passes.

What This Job Offers

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