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University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases

Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow

Position #00848987 - Requisition #40154

Job Summary:

A core mission of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is to carry out cutting-edge basic, translational, and clinical research and train the next generation of scientists.

Dr. Eric Poeschla's laboratory investigates cellular proteins involved in viral replication cycles (HIV-1, other positive strand RNA viruses). Current focus is on innate immune system factors that mediate frontline antiviral defenses and prevent cross-species virus transmission. The lab has pioneered new in vivo models of safe innate immune activation. It now has new specific grant funding, starting in June 2026, to work on therapeutically 'reprograming' a cellular antiviral system that senses and responds to viral dsRNA (MDA5) to protect people against known and future unknown viruses. The lab utilizes both murine and cell culture models of infection and/or innate immune activation and conducts research spanning from basic to translational.  

The lab is currently seeking a talented and enthusiastic post-doc to build off a newly-funded project aimed at identification and rational design of MDA5 agonists that can be expressed and delivered - in a range of models including cell line, small animal, and respiratory organoid models - to enable pathogen agnostic activation of innate immunity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Utilize cell line and transgenic mouse models expressing a viral RNA-dependent-RNA-polymerase (RdRp) coupled with immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing to identify self-derived MDA5 ligands. A potential role of MDA5 in causing inflammaging by HIV-1 is also ongoing, using very safe replication-defective viral constructs.

• Iteratively validate and test antiviral properties and immunogenicity of identified RdRp derived MDA5 ligands in cell lines, organoids and naive mice.

• Perform basic cellular, molecular techniques (Western blotting, PCR/qPCR, IHC/IF) and statistical analyses (Microsoft Excel/PRISM/JMP) to supplement experiments.

• Develop/lead hypothesis driven research independently.

• Aid in and independently write manuscripts/grants. We want you to publish!

• Assist with training of junior or new employees/students and with day-to-day lab duties.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The division mission is to carry out cutting-edge scientific research into causation, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and cure of infectious diseases. The Poeschla lab will provide intensive training, opportunities to interact and network with collaborators across multiple institutions and will provide the opportunity for transition as an independent investigator in academia or industry.

Dr. Poeschla's lab studies compelling virology topics, including roles of cellular antiviral proteins or viral cofactors in the HIV-1 lifecycle, role of MDA5 and Type I Interferons in autoimmunity associated with autoactivation of innate immune pathways and early life immunity. We have an ongoing collaboration to investigate adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 to the human innate immune system. Members of the Poeschla lab engage with, a wide-variety of virology and immunology topics and methods.

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 or MD/PhD.

• Minimum of 4-year(s) experience in research, including the degree years.

• Experience with basic cellular, molecular techniques (Western blotting, PCR/qPCR, IHC/IF) and statistical analyses (Microsoft Excel/PRISM).

• Established track record in abstract and manuscript writing/publishing. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• PhD or MD/PhD in the field of virology, microbiology, cell biology, or immunology research.

• Proven experience and familiarity with the mouse colony maintenance/breeding, mouse dissections, and murine innate or adaptive immunity and procedures to study it.

• Bioinformatic skills, experience working with RNAseq or other -omics datasets at all levels including experimental design and execution to data-handling and analysis.

• Experience in mentoring PhD students/laboratory technicians.

• Independence in experiment design, analysis and manuscript writing.

• Two or more first author publications originating from degree work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills.

• Proven ability to work independently within a research lab

• Thriving in a teamwork setting.

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: Eric Poeschla, PI: eric.poeschla@cuanschutz.edu or James Morrison, Research Scientist and lab manager for Dr. Poeschla: james.morrison@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by June 15, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

NIH Stipend levels:           

Postdoctoral Career Level 0: $63,480 

Postdoctoral Career Level 1: $63,900

Postdoctoral Career Level 2: $64,380

Postdoctoral Career Level 3: $66,948

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.