"Post-Doctoral Fellow"

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Orthopedics

Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow

Position #00828725 – Requisition #37619

The Burger laboratory in the Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research (CPMR), within the Department of Orthopedics, is seeking to fill the position of a Postdoctoral Fellow. This position is planned to last 2 years, with the option to extend.

In the Burger lab, we are interested in early vertebrate development of the axial and lateral plate mesoderm using zebrafish and mice as models, as well as associated structural birth defects, such as spina bifida, or defects affecting the heart/blood/bone/kidney. We are further interested in how the axial mesoderm develops into the intervertebral discs, and associated underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as intervertebral disc disease, such as IVD degeneration.

The Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to be the project lead for several ongoing research projects, including design of experimental setup, data generation, data interpretation, and manuscript writing, with the following key responsibilities:

Wet lab responsibilities:

• Conducting molecular biology experiments, such as, but not limited to: PCR, gateway cloning, restriction digest and T4 ligation, Sanger sequencing of plasmid vectors, CRISPR guide RNA generation, immunohistochemistry/fluorescence, Western blotting, RNA and genomic DNA collection from zebrafish and mouse for RNAseq and ATACseq experiments
• Generation of mutant and transgenic zebrafish and/or mice
• Zebrafish and/or mouse husbandry and genotyping
• Zebrafish and/or mouse skeletal and non-skeletal tissue harvest for histological analysis, including embedding, sectioning and imaging
• Fluorescent imaging (lightsheet, confocal, dissecting) of zebrafish embryos and adults

Administrative responsibilities:

• Overseeing training from junior lab members
• Managing internal and external collaborations with key stake holders
• Presentation of research findings at department internal meetings, national and international scientific meetings, etc.
• Figure and manuscript preparation

The CPMR has a funded T32 training grant, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to compete for prestigious seats in this training program. Therefore, preference will be given to those candidates eligible to receive NIH funded training support. This requires possession of valid US permanent residency status or US citizenship. This is a training position and is not eligible to be used to obtain Employer sponsored US permanent residency status.

Work Location: Onsite - this role is expected to work onsite and is located at the Anschutz Medical Campus.

Why Join Us: The University of Colorado (CU) is one of the nation's premier educational and research institutions. The Colorado Program for Musculoskeletal Research (CPMR), of which Dr. Burger (PI) is a member, in the Department of Orthopedics at CU has undergone a rapid expansion with the last four years to become one of the top funded Orthopedic Departments in the US. The CPMR is comprised of a core group of orthopedic faculty pursuing a cutting-edge basic, translational and clinical studies of the musculoskeletal system. Our research encompasses a broad array of topics including genetics of osteoporosis & scoliosis, bone biology, arthritis & joint biology, skeletal healing from the spine to limbs, stem cell biology & tissue engineering, growth plate injury & repair, brain injury-skeleton connections, and orthopedic pain management.

Why join the Burger laboratory? We are a cutting-edge research wet lab at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Colorado with high-profile output. We have a lively lab atmosphere and high-quality trainee mentoring. We have numerous opportunities for collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects. Our campus has the latest animal facilities and imaging setups for executing experiments at the highest standards.

Why work for the University? The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package. To see what benefits are available for Post-Doctoral Fellows, please visit the provided links.

Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Molecular and/or Developmental Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Cancer or related field; At least two years' experience of basic research in a wet lab; Animal model experience with zebrafish and/or mouse; Strong publication record, including first authorship publications from previous research. Preferred Qualifications: Experience with small molecule/drug applications; Bioinformatics and/or programming expertise in languages such as R and Python. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Solid understanding of common cellular and molecular mechanisms, early vertebrate development, skeletal physiology and genetics, associated structural birth defects and/or cancer; Skilled in using UCSC browser, IGV and additional programs to investigate different genomes; Knowledge in CRISPR-Cas9 genome engineering and transgenesis; Microscopy skills, preferably lightsheet, confocal, dissecting; Ability to work both in a team environment and independently; Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills; Computer skills in both Mac and PC environments and use of standard programs such as Word and Excel; Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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; Three professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers. Questions should be directed to: Lindsey Renn, lindsey.renn@cuanschutz.edu. Screening of Applications Begins: Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by December 15, 2025. Anticipated Pay Range: The budgeted salary for this position is $62,232. (NIH Post Doc Year 0 salary)