Postdoctoral Fellow​/Trainee

Postdoctoral Fellow/Trainee Job Summary

The Janiszewska lab dissects the ecosystem of aggressive brain tumors to identify novel vulnerabilities of these incurable tumors. The lab employs a variety of techniques, including confocal microscopy, spatial transcriptomics and in vitro and in vivo models to study brain tumor cell‑cell interactions and the organization of the cancer ecosystem. We strive for a highly collaborative and inclusive lab environment. Trainees will have ample opportunities to interact with researchers in the department, across our campus and with external collaborators.

One of the major challenges contributing to poor survival of patients with brain tumors is the intratumor heterogeneity. Cancer cells with different properties, including varying sensitivity to treatment, often co‑exist within a tumor, leading to relapse and disease progression. Our goal is to understand the dynamics of intratumor heterogeneity and its functional implications in disease progression in highly aggressive brain tumors.

We believe that understanding the interactions between subclonal populations of cancer cells as well as interactions between cancer cells and tumor microenvironment cells holds a key to uncovering more effective treatments for brain tumor patients.

Minimum of 2 years with advancement to the second year dependent upon satisfactory progress during the first year. The appointment may be extended over 2 years, contingent on funding and satisfactory performance. The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for characterizing in vivo and in vitro cell‑cell interactions to model heterogeneous brain tumors and assess their response to various stimuli. This includes designing and conducting experiments, data analysis, manuscript preparation, conference presentations and applying for fellowships/grants.

• Role expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD/MD in Cancer Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in cell culture, in vivo work, confocal microscopy or computational analysis of RNAseq in R/Python.

• Experience with primary cell culture, xenograft models, brain tumor biology, confocal imaging, immunofluorescence and/or FISH and/or computational analysis of scRNAseq/RNAseq/spatial transcriptomics.
• Background in brain tumor biology.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and with a team.
• Demonstrated proficiency with molecular/cell biology techniques.

 or  Applicants must submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae/resume, and five professional references with contact information. Applications are accepted electronically only .edu/cu-careers. Questions should be directed to Sarah Williams – sarah.williams.

The starting salary range for this position is $62,232–$75,564. The University provides generous leave, health plans, retirement contributions, and other compensation benefits. For details, see the Total Compensation Calculator.

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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 coordinator.

We conduct background investigations for all prospective employees. CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against COVID‑19 and other vaccine‑preventable diseases. Employees working in healthcare facilities or certain research areas may be required to comply with specific vaccination policies.