Summer Preclinical Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Colorado Anschutz

Department: Radiation Oncology

Job Title: Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Position #00713743 - Requisition #40450

Job Summary:

The Jacob Houghton Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral associate for a funded position focused on developing and evaluating next-generation radiopharmaceuticals for cancer imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy. This position will support translational research at the interface of radiochemistry, molecular imaging, bioconjugation, cancer biology, and preclinical therapy studies. The postdoc will contribute to projects involving radiolabeled antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, small molecules, or pre-targeted imaging and therapy platforms, with applications in PET/SPECT imaging, biodistribution, dosimetry, and targeted alpha- or beta-particle therapy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and conduct preclinical radiopharmaceutical research studies across multiple stages of development.

• Perform radiolabeling procedures and quality control testing to ensure compound integrity and performance.

• Execute bioconjugation and in vitro characterization studies to evaluate radiopharmaceutical properties.

• Develop and maintain mammalian cell cultures and tumor models for experimental research.

• Conduct PET/SPECT imaging, biodistribution, dosimetry, and therapeutic efficacy studies.

• Analyze tissues and investigate biological mechanisms underlying treatment response.

• Contribute to translational molecular imaging, radiopharmaceutical development, and cancer therapy research, leveraging prior radiochemistry or radiopharmaceutical therapy experience to build an independent research program.

Professional Development Opportunities
Training in the Houghton Lab supports postdocs pursuing academic, industry, clinical translational, or regulatory-oriented careers in radiopharmaceutical science, molecular imaging, cancer biology, and drug development. Scholars will have access to tailored professional development, including:

• Training in translational radiopharmaceutical development, including study design, radiochemistry workflows, imaging and biodistribution studies, dosimetry, therapy response assessment, and regulatory-style documentation.

• Opportunities to contribute to the development of new research directions, including independent project ideas aligned with the candidate's long-term career goals.

• Mentorship in manuscript preparation, grant writing, fellowship applications, and career development awards.

• Opportunities to mentor graduate students, technicians, summer students, and other trainees.

• Opportunities to collaborate with clinicians, radiochemists, imaging scientists, cancer biologists, medical physicists, and industry partners.

• Funding and support to attend and present at national scientific meetings.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

At the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine our mission is to provide the highest quality care to patients with all types of cancers and certain benign tumors. The department aims to achieve excellence in professionalism and performance of our services. We seek to create a climate that fosters innovation and allows patients access to the newest cutting-edge treatments. The Department of Radiation Oncology is integrated within the award-winning, nationally celebrated University of Colorado Hospital, within the larger University of Colorado Health system.

The Houghton Lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz studies molecular imaging and targeted radionuclide therapy, with a focus on developing radiopharmaceutical platforms that can improve cancer detection, patient selection, treatment delivery, and therapeutic response. Our research combines radiochemistry, chemical biology, antibody engineering, host-guest pre-targeting, PET/SPECT imaging, biodistribution, dosimetry, and preclinical models of cancer.

We prioritize a collaborative, rigorous, and supportive lab culture that values scientific creativity, careful experimental design, strong mentorship, and professional development. The postdoc will work closely with the PI, laboratory trainees, clinical and scientific collaborators, and institutional shared resources across the Anschutz Medical Campus.

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, MD/PhD, PharmD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree in chemistry, radiochemistry, chemical biology, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, molecular imaging, cancer biology, molecular biology, or a related biomedical sciences field.

• Prior hands-on experience with radiochemistry, radiolabeling, radioactive material handling, radiopharmaceutical therapy, radiotracer development, or closely related radiopharmaceutical research.

• A strong interest in cancer imaging, targeted radionuclide therapy, radiopharmaceutical development, or translational oncology.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with alpha- or beta-particle radiopharmaceutical therapy.

• Experience with radiolabeled antibodies, antibody fragments, peptides, nanoparticles, small molecules, or pretargeted imaging/therapy systems.

• Experience with PET, SPECT, biodistribution studies, dosimetry, or quantitative imaging analysis.

• Experience with in vivo tumor models, including xenograft, orthotopic, metastatic, or patient-derived models.

• Experience with in vitro cancer biology assays, including 2D or 3D cell culture, organoids, viability assays, receptor binding/internalization assays, clonogenic survival, DNA damage assays, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, Western blotting, or IHC.

• Experience with bioconjugation, antibody characterization, protein chemistry, size-exclusion chromatography, HPLC, stability testing, or related analytical methods.

• Experience analyzing and visualizing data using GraphPad Prism, ImageJ/FIJI, FlowJo, Python, R, CellProfiler, or related platforms.

• Experience preparing manuscripts, fellowship applications, grant applications, presentations, SOPs, IACUC protocols, radiation safety documentation, or regulatory-style reports.

• Evidence of scientific leadership, collaboration, mentorship, and ability to move projects from experimental planning through publication.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, analyze, and interpret rigorous experiments.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, multidisciplinary research team.

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: Mandy Whitton mandy.whitton@cuanschtuz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by July 31, 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 to $77,076 (commensurate with experience based on NIH guidelines)

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.