Postdoctoral Fellow/Trainee

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: School of Medicine/Dept of Medicine

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow/Trainee

Position #00846485 – Requisition #39577

Job Summary:

This position reports directly to Drs Wierman and Kiseljak-Vassiliades in the Division of Endocrinology, and is responsible for the development of hypotheses, experimental design, and data analysis to define the role of key pathways underlying pituitary tumorigenesis and adrenal cancer growth and response to therapy. The position will also be involved in direct training and supervision of undergraduate students in the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

Investigate the mechanism underlying pituitary tumorigenesis and adrenocortical carcinogenesis with focus on developmental therapeutics.

In vitro approaches include mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, microscopy, immunohistochemistry, functional genomics, proteomics, high throughput drug screening, and genome-wide sequencing.

In vivo approaches include patient derived xenograft mouse models, xenograft models, humanized mouse models and subcutaneous mouse models.

Perform experimental design, quantitative analysis, literature review, critical thinking, and present in small group settings as well as national meetings.

Analyze data and prepare manuscripts and help with grant writing.

Teaching summer students, undergraduate students, residents and fellows

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

Our labs in a national and internation leader in pituitary tumorigenesis as well as adrenocortical carcinoma investigations. The focus of our work has been translational with ultimate goal of improving care for patients with these disorders. We have been the first lab to develop new pre-clinical in vivo and in vitro models for adrenocortical carcinoma and have also recently developed first human pituitary in vitro models. We are using these models actively to investigate new therapeutics to directly translate into clinical studies.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 1 year(s) experience in animal research.
• Background in cellular and molecular biology as well as translational biology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the field of bench molecular biology and animal science.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability: excellence computer software, equipment operation, or research technical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong statistical knowledge and analytical skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.
• Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.
• Proven ability to work independently within research lab.
• Ability to design and implement new protocols.
• Ability to carry out established protocols of the laboratory.
• Competency with experimental design, quantitative analysis, literature review, critical thinking, and the ability to present in small group settings are required.
• The candidate must be a highly motivated and resourceful researcher and be able to work independently and as a team to move the project forward
• Candidate should be able to accomplish all tasks without supervision and can also supervise others when necessary.

How to Apply:

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

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position
2. Curriculum vitae / Resume
3. Five 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: Margaret Wierman, margaret.wierman@cuanschutz.edu or Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades, katja.kiseljak-vassiliades@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 05/10/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$63,480 – $75,564 Commensurate with experience according to the NIH guidelines