Post-Doctoral Fellow – Pietras Laboratory

Job Summary:

This position reports directly to Dr. Eric Pietras, PhD, and will work within the Pietras Lab, a component of the School of Medicine’s Hematology Division. 

This position is involved in studies aimed at defining the biology of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells.  Specifically, the Fellow will help investigate the role of metabolism in the biology and pathogenesis of acute myelogenous leukemia. The Fellow is expected to conduct research projects, to think independently, be highly motivated, design and carry out experiments, analyze data, and interpret and publish results.  It is the Fellow’s responsibility to fully understand the technical details of Dr. Pietras’ projects as well as how each applies within the larger context of defining novel therapeutic agents in Hematological Research. 

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:

Design and Performance of Research Experiments (75% of Time Spent)

• Mechanism based discovery of cancer therapeutics.
• Characterization of metabolic processes of leukemia stem cells.
• Use of animal model systems to study leukemia pathogenesis.
• Analysis and Publication of Research Data (20% of Time Spent)
• Mentoring of students and technical staff (5% of Time Spent)
• 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
• Other duties as assigned 

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.  

This description is a summary only and describes 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:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado.  

Why Join Us:

The Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology/Bone Marrow Transplant Laboratories, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (CU-AMC), is looking for a bright, creative and enthusiastic Post-Doctoral Fellow interested in advancing their career in a high-impact laboratory headed by an energetic, principal investigator, Dr. Eric Pietras, PhD. The lab is part of a richly collaborative interdisciplinary group of basic scientists and clinicians from immunology, hematology and molecular biology backgrounds with significant resources.

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:

• Payroll & Benefits Orientation for Post-Doctoral Fellows | University of Colorado (cu.edu) https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness/new-employee/PBO/post-doc
• benefits guide cover-post-doc-2024 (cu.edu) https://www.cu.edu/docs/benefits-package-guide-post-doctoral-fellows  

Qualifications:

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 in English.
• 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. 

How to Apply:

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

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

Questions should be directed to: Dan Page @ daniel.page@cuanschutz.edu  

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by August 1, 2025.  

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$62,232.00 - $75,352.00 based on years of experience  

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 unless it is non-exempt.

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

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Colorado (CU) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.  

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@ucdenver.edu ​.  

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.  

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases . If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program .