Post-Doctoral Fellow

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Neurosurgery

Job Title: Postdoctoral Fellow/Trainee

Position #:00848531 - Requisition #:40000

Job Summary:

The Van Rechem Lab is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to join our team. Our long-term research interest is to understand how chromatin modifiers contribute to disease development and progression in order to uncover more effective therapeutic opportunities. We focus particularly on brain cancers, including pediatric diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and rhabdoid tumors, and investigate how epigenetic dysregulation drives tumor biology.

Our laboratory investigates the direct molecular impact of chromatin modifiers during cell cycle progression and explores both canonical nuclear functions and unappreciated cytoplasmic roles, including the regulation of translation. We aim to define how chromatin state influences replication dynamics, genome stability, and cellular fitness in both normal and pathological contexts. By integrating mechanistic chromatin biology with disease-focused models of brain cancer, we seek to identify new biomarkers and targeted therapeutic strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead an independent research project aligned with the laboratory's focus on chromatin regulation and brain cancer biology.
• Developing mechanistic hypotheses, designing and executing experiments using molecular, genomic, and cell-cycle-resolved approaches, integrating multi-omics datasets, and driving the project from conception to publication.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets, prepare manuscripts, present findings at national and international conferences.
• Investigates the direct molecular impact of chromatin modifiers during cell cycle progression and explores both canonical nuclear functions and unappreciated cytoplasmic roles, including the regulation of translation
• Apply for competitive fellowships and career development awards

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Department of Neurosurgery is a highly collaborative unit, with faculty excelling in clinical care, research, education and innovation, working together to advance the fields of neuro-oncology and neuromodulation. The crosstalk between the clinical and basic research allows the scientists to work on projects with high translational potential. Access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as shared Core Facilities across the CU Anschutz Medical Campus enable performance of cutting-edge science. The Department's strong commitment to education provides multiple opportunities for career and skill development for staff, residents and fellows. The interdisciplinary collaborations fostered within the Cancer Center and across the broad community of University of Colorado provide a vibrant environment to train in neuro-oncology and neuroscience.

The Van Rechem Lab operates within a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment. We are committed to fostering a rigorous, inclusive, and supportive lab culture with strong emphasis on individualized mentorship and career development across academic and industry pathways. This position offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research at the forefront of chromatin biology and brain cancer therapeutics.

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.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a PhD/MD in one of these fields of Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with chromatin profiling approaches (e.g., ChIP-seq, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag) and/or replication timing or R-loop mapping assays

• Background in chromatin biology, cancer biology, DNA replication, genome instability, or translational control

• Experience with next-generation sequencing-based methods and multi-omics data integration

• Proficiency in genome engineering techniques (e.g., CRISPR/Cas systems)

• Experience working with cancer models, particularly brain cancer systems

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with genomics data analysis (R, Python, or related tools)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including manuscript and grant preparation

• Proven ability to develop and lead independent research projects

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams

• Strong organizational skills and attention to experimental rigor and reproducibility

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: Michalina Janiszewska, michalina.janiszewska@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by August 1, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$ 63,480 - $ 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.