Protein Engineering Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:

NIH/DoD/DARPA-funded lab studying trauma-induced coagulopathy and thromboinflammation. Focus on protein C system biology, endothelial dysfunction, and novel therapeutics. Translational approach spans human biorepository, mouse models, and multiomics.

The Cohen Lab at CU Anschutz (NIH/DoD/DARPA-funded) seeks a postdoctoral fellow supported by the NIH T32 Critical Injury and Illness Training Program. The R01-funded project centers on the protein C pathway as the mechanistic bridge between trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) and thromboinflammation. Work uses human trauma biorepository samples, validated mouse models of hemorrhagic shock, a 3D endothelial flow model, and high-throughput proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. Projects include therapeutic modulation of APC activity via nanobodies and engineered variants, endothelial barrier and calcium signaling assays, and multiomic phenotyping of post-injury states. Candidates should hold a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or bioengineering with experience in endothelial cell models, microfluidic/flow systems, rodent models, and/or multiomics. Strong interest in translational research at the intersection of coagulation, inflammation, and therapeutics is required.

The fellow will contribute to ongoing R01-funded aims focused on: (1) mechanistic characterization of protein C pathway activation in trauma-induced coagulopathy using clinical patient samples and ex vivo mixing studies with APC-selective nanobodies and engineered superFVa; (2) endothelial biology of thromboinflammation including barrier function, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction studied in a novel 3D flow model and validated mouse models of hemorrhagic shock; and (3) multiomic (proteomic, metabolomic, lipidomic) endotyping of post-injury phenotypes and trajectories using a biorepository of >10,000 samples from severely injured patients.

The fellow will be co-mentored by Dr. Mitchell J. Cohen MD FACS (trauma surgeon-scientist, Professor of Surgery, Bruce Rockwell Chair) and a multidisciplinary team including experts in coagulation biology, proteomics/metabolomics, thrombosis modeling, and bioengineering. The NIH T32 Critical Injury and Illness Training Program provides structured training in grant writing, scientific communication, and career development. The fellow will have access to state-of-the-art core facilities at CU Anschutz including mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, high-resolution microscopy, and a dedicated Level 1 Trauma Center biorepository.

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.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a comprehensive urban research university serving more than 28,000 students in metropolitan Denver and online. With our solid academic reputation, award-winning faculty and renowned researchers, we offer 119 highly rated degree programs through 13 schools and colleges. The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is well known for its distinctive and highly productive research programs, its world-class health facilities at the Anschutz Medical Campus, and its well-established partnerships in business, industry, and government. These campuses currently have over $757 million in research awards each year.

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.

         PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, bioengineering, or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

        Biochemistry: protein biochemistry, enzyme kinetics, coagulation assays, recombinant protein expression

        Molecular biology: gene expression analysis, RiboTag/RNA-seq, CRISPR, cloning

        Cell biology: endothelial cell culture, barrier function assays, calcium imaging, confocal microscopy

        Bioengineering & flow models: microfluidic systems, 3D flow chamber assays, hemodynamic modeling

        Animal models: in vivo mouse models of trauma, hemorrhagic shock, or critical illness

        Multiomics: proteomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, or bioinformatic data analysis

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: Allison Eyer: Allison.eyer@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 16, 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- $77,076

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.