Description

University of Colorado – College of Engineering, Design and Computing

Department of Bioengineering

Post-Doctoral Fellow

 

The University of Colorado Denver l Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment.  We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The Benninger lab is seeking to fill a postdoctoral research fellow position in the field of cell biophysics, microscopy and diabetes research, jointly between the Department of Bioengineering and the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes, at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. The candidate will develop research projects related to the role of cellular heterogeneity and intercellular communication in the regulation of cell signaling dynamics underlying hormone release from the islets of Langerhans and dysfunction in diabetes.

Specific Position Details

The Benninger lab is a multidisciplinary team of scientists who broadly investigates the cellular mechanisms underlying the regulation of hormone secretion in the islets of Langerhans, how dysregulation to these mechanisms causes diabetes, and how these mechanisms can be targeted to develop new treatments for individuals with diabetes. A main focus is to take a multidisciplinary approach to understand how the islet functions as an integrated unit, which includes how heterogeneous insulin-secreting β-cells and other endocrine cells within the islet interact via electrical synapses and paracrine factors, as well as how they integrate with the surrounding vasculature and innervations. The lab is highly collaborative, working with other research groups across the Anschutz Medical Campus, at the at Boulder campus and with other institutions. 

The ideal candidate will develop projects related to understanding the molecular basis of pacemaker-like cell populations in the islet; understanding the maintenance and temporal evolution of cell sub-populations; or understanding the mechanism governing electrical synapse plasticity within the islet. This will involve live cell imaging, molecular biology, gene transcription analysis and developing/utilizing a novel human pancreas slice platform. The candidate will also have resources and mentoring to develop their own research interests and to develop new research skills. They must be highly motivated and willing to learn new techniques and approaches, and able to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team of biological scientists, engineers and clinicians.

Further details of the Benninger lab can be found at benningerlab.com. For more specific questions about research projects, the nature of the position and duties, or any other enquiries or interest please contact Dr Richard Benninger: RICHARD.BENNINGER@CUANSCHUTZ.EDU 

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position has been established at $53,760-$65,292. Salary will be based on the current NIH postdoctoral pay scale guidelines. 

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University of Colorado offers a full benefits package. Information on University benefits programs, including eligibility, is located at Employee Services.

University of Colorado Denver | 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 checks for all new employees prior to their employment.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work. Alternative formats of this ad are available upon request for persons with disabilities.

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.

Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness

Total Compensation Calculator: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/total-compensation

 

Diversity and Equity:

Please click here for information on disability accommodations: http://www.ucdenver.edu/about/departments/HR/jobs/Pages/JobsatCUDenver.aspx 

Office of Equity: https://www1.ucdenver.edu/offices/equity

The University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: 

- Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biological or physical sciences, engineering or related field.

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

- Prior experience with techniques including live-cell imaging and advanced microscopy; RNA sequencing and analysis, molecular biology; cell and tissue culture including human tissue; working with animal models.

- Experience studying excitable systems, pancreas physiology or diabetes.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. 

Job Category: Faculty
Primary Location: Denver
Schedule: Full-time
Posting Date: May 28, 2021
Unposting Date: Ongoing