Postdoctoral Fellow​/Trainee

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department:
Neurosurgery

Job Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow/Trainee

Position # – Requisition #39324

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 different 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to research aiming to improve the dismal prognosis 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 heterogenous 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.

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, Colorado.

The Department of Neurosurgery is a highly collaborative unit, with faculty excelling in clinical care, research, education and innovation, working together to advance the fields of neuro‑oncology and neuromodulation. The crosstalk between clinical and basic research allows scientists to work on projects with high translational potential. Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and equipment, as well as shared Core Facilities across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus enable performance of cutting‑edge science.

The Department's strong commitment to education provides multiple opportunities for career and skill development for staff, residents and fellows. The interdisciplinary collaborations fostered within the Cancer Center and across the broad community of the University of Colorado provide a vibrant environment to train in neuro‑oncology and neuroscience.

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)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD/MD in one of these fields:
  Cancer Biology, Neuroscience or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years' 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 FS 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…