Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Description - Post-Doctoral Fellow (40913)

Job Description

Post-Doctoral Fellow - 40913

Faculty

Description

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Surgery, GITES (G.I., Trauma, Endocrine Surgery)

Working Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow

Position #:00852454 - Requisition #: 40913

Job Summary:

A post-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Elizabeth J. Kovacs, PhD in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus. The laboratory works on multi-organ system inflammatory response and innate immunity in the context of trauma and infection. Recent studies have focused on the effects of alcohol intoxication, advanced age, sex differences and infection on the initation and resolution of inflammation in both in vivo murine models and clinical samples.

The full-time post-doctoral position will support NIH-funded research projects. The post-doctoral trainee will be mentored by Dr. Kovacs and her staff and will work collaboratively with junior and senior investigators as well as research assistants and associates in the Kovacs lab. The post-doctoral fellow will have the opportunity to work independently and propose studies that complement ongoing and expand upon projects in the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and carry out cell culture and rodent-based research projects

Develop and troubleshoot research protocols

Help train laboratory personnel in experimental techniques

Conduct cell biology, immunology, and biochemical studies examining protein production and gene expression

Perform flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy studies

Present results at lab meetings and at research conferences

Write, edit and publish manuscripts

Prepare grant applications

Perform all research compliance activities required by the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus

This position is funded by a T32 - Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service and Award grant, which requires that appointees be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in a research or clinical doctoral or postdoctoral program.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Department of Surgery''s leading-edge research programs focus on the search for the next cure, newest innovations, and breakthrough clinical trials. Our faculty, researchers, and students are relentless in their pursuit of discoveries that will transform the future of surgery.

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)
• benefits guide cover-post-doc-2024 (cu.edu)

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

• Less than 2 years of post-doctoral experience and a PhD in immunology, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, physiology, or a closely related field
• Experience working with rodent models and/or human specimens, and basic molecular cell culture skills
• First-author on research papers published in peer-reviewed journals

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in some or all of the following laboratory techniques is preferred: experience designing and conducting experiments with rodents, flow cytometry acquisition and analysis, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular biology (RNA/protein extraction, RT-PCR, enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA), western blotting).
• Background in immunology, particularly innate immunity.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and general communication skills.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

• General knowledge of Office suite programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic understanding of statistical analysis and programs.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

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: Marta O'Grady, MARTA.OGRADY@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by September 11, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

We pay according to the NIH stipend levels:

Career Level Years of Experience Stipend for FY 26

Postdoctoral 0 $63,480

Postdoctoral 1 $63,900

Postdoctoral 2 $64,380

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.

Application Materials Required: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, List of References

Job Category

: Faculty

Primary Location

: Aurora

Department: U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver - 20318 - SOM-SRG-GI Clinical

Schedule

: Full-time

Posting Date

: Aug 25, 2026

Unposting Date

: Ongoing

Posting Contact Name: Marta O'Grady

Posting Contact Email: MARTA.OGRADY@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU

Position Number: 00852454