Post-Doctoral Fellow

Post-Doctoral Fellow - 40913 Faculty

A post-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Elizabeth J. Kovacs, PhD in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. The laboratory works on multi-organ system inflammatory response and innate immunity in the context of trauma and infection. Recent studies have focused on the effects of alcohol intoxication, advanced age, sex differences and infection on the initiation and resolution of inflammation in both in vivo murine models and clinical samples.

The full-time post-doctoral position will support NIH-funded research projects. The post-doctoral trainee will be mentored by Dr. Kovacs and her staff and will work collaboratively with junior and senior investigators as well as research assistants and associates in the Kovacs lab. The post-doctoral fellow will have the opportunity to work independently and propose studies that complement ongoing and expand upon projects in the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and carry out cell culture and rodent-based research projects
• Develop and troubleshoot research protocols
• Help train laboratory personnel in experimental techniques
• Conduct cell biology, immunology, and biochemical studies examining protein production and gene expression
• Perform flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy studies
• Present results at lab meetings and at research conferences
• Write, edit and publish manuscripts
• Prepare grant applications
• Perform all research compliance activities required by the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus

This position is funded by a T32 - Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service and Award grant, which requires that appointees be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a research or clinical doctoral or postdoctoral program.

Work Location:

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

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Less than 2 years of post-doctoral experience and a PhD in immunology, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, or a closely related field
• Experience working with rodent models and/or human specimens, and basic molecular cell culture skills
• First-author on research papers published in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in some or all of the following laboratory techniques is preferred: experience designing and conducting experiments with rodents, flow cytometry acquisition and analysis, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology (RNA/protein extraction, RT-PCR, enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting).
• Background in immunology, particularly innate immunity.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  
  Excellent interpersonal and general communication skills. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. General knowledge of Office suite programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic understanding of statistical analysis and programs.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum vitae / Resume
• Five professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY .edu/cu-careers . Questions should be directed to:
Marta O'Grady, MARTA.OGRADY Screening of Applications Begins:
Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by September 11, 2026. Anticipated Pay Range:
We pay according to the NIH stipend levels:

Career Level Years of Experience Stipend for FY 26 Postdoctoral 0 $ 63,480 Postdoctoral 1 $ 63,900 Postdoctoral 2 $ 64,380