"Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biomedical Engineering and Diabetes Research"

Position Details

University of Colorado | Denver

Faculty Level/Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Working Title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biomedical Engineering and Diabetes Research

FTE: Full time

Salary Range: $62,232 - $75,564

Position #00705505 - Requisition #38692

About the University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus

CU Denver and the CU Anschutz Medical Campus serve as vital pillars of the University of Colorado system. Located in the heart of the city, CU Denver helps make education work for all by offering unique opportunities at a premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, across seven schools and colleges. Just a few miles away in Aurora, the CU Anschutz Medical Campus is a nationally recognized academic medical campus, home to six health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked hospitals-UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado-which together see more than 2.6 million patient visits annually. While on separate campuses, the two universities collaborate in key areas to provide comprehensive support for students, faculty, and staff. The results are powerful: Together, CU Denver and CU Anschutz Medical Campus have earned an R1 classification for conducting cutting-edge and life-changing research that creates impact in our communities. Additionally, for more than a decade, they have received a national Military Friendly School designation. For more information visit, ucdenver.edu and cuanschutz.edu.

Job Description

Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers

The Department of Biomedical engineering and the Barbara Davis Center at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus is seeking to fill a postdoctoral research fellow position. The successful candidate will develop research projects related to developing and applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound approaches, and image processing to study remodeling of the islet microvasculature and islet blood flow regulation in type1 diabetes and to advance the development of ultrasound based diagnostics for type1 diabetes.

The Benninger lab is a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers who broadly investigates the cellular and physiological mechanisms underlying the regulation of the endocrine pancreas and hormone secretion, and how dysregulation to these mechanisms causes diabetes. The lab takes a multidisciplinary approach to understand how the islet of Langerhans functions as an integrated unit, and how this unit integrates with the surrounding vasculature and innervations.

A key area of interest in the lab has been examining remodeling of the microvasculature and blood flow regulation within the pancreas during the progression of type1 diabetes. This has included applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging techniques to non-invasively track changes within the islet microvasculature and blood flow during diabetes development in both mouse models and human subjects. The lab is highly collaborative, working with other research groups across the Anschutz Medical Campus, and at the Boulder campus and with other institutions.

What you will do:

• The ideal candidate will develop research projects related to applying ultrasound imaging and other approaches to understand the mechanisms underlying islet microvasculature dysfunction and blood flow changes in type1 diabetes. This can include applying advanced signal processing approaches for high resolution imaging, developing computational models of islet blood flow changes; characterizing and applying novel ultrasound contrast agents including molecular targeted agents; and use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in ongoing clinical studies.
• The candidate will have resources and mentoring to develop their own research interests and to develop new research skills. The candidate can also mentor junior scientists, give guest lectures in the biomedical engineering graduate or undergraduate program and receive guidance in writing fellowship applications.
• The candidate must be highly motivated and willing to learn new techniques and approaches, and able to work in an interdisciplinary team of biological scientists, engineers and clinicians.
• Further details of the Benninger lab can be found at benningerlab.com. For more specific questions about research projects, the nature of the position and duties, or any other enquiries or interest please contact Dr Richard Benninger.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biological or physical sciences, engineering or related field
• First Authorship on at least 1 peer-reviewed research publication.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and Experience of ultrasound imaging
• Knowledge and Experience studying vascular biology, pancreas physiology or diabetes
• Knowledge and Experience with programming, signal processing, or numerical modelling
• Knowledge and Experience working with rodent animal models, including models of diabetes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in groups, communication with engineers, biomedical researchers and clinicians.

Conditions of Employment

• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $62,232 - $75,564. The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty, and training. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits

Required Application Materials:

To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:

• A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.
• Curriculum vitae / Resume outlining experience(s).
• Three professional references including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. (We will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references).

Questions should be directed to Richard Benninger, PhD, richard.benninger@cuanschutz.edu

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, and interviews begin. Preference will be given to complete applications received by 2/1/2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.