Post-Doctoral Fellow – Witkowski Laboratory

at  University of Colorado

JOB SUMMARY:

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.
Key Responsibilities:

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 rare bone marrow-derived hematopoietic populations. Specific duties include:

• 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
• 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.
• Other duties as assigned

This description is a summary only and is describing the general level of work being performed, it is not intended to be all-inclusive. The duties of this position may change from time to time and/or based on business need. We reserve the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the supervisor and/or hiring authority.
Work Location: This role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

WHY JOIN US:

The Department of Pediatrics in the Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant Laboratories, with secondary appointment in the Department of Medicine in the Division of Hematology, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU), Denver is looking for a bright, creative and enthusiastic Post-Doctoral Fellow interested in advancing their career in a new, high-impact laboratory headed by an energetic, recently recruited principal investigator, Dr. Matt Witkowski. The lab is part of a richly collaborative interdisciplinary group of basic scientists and clinicians from the immunology, hematology and molecular biology backgrounds with significant resources and expertise in understanding normal B cell progenitor and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) development.
The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

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.

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidate must be able to work with laboratory animals and animal tissues.
• Candidate must meet eligibility requirements for NIH T32 and F32 postdoctoral fellowship awards.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• 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.

• 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
• 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.
• Other duties as assigne