The Bonetto Laboratory at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative Postdoctoral Fellow to join our research program focused on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying cancer cachexia, skeletal muscle wasting, and cancer-associated metabolic dysfunction. The successful candidate will participate in innovative basic and translational research aimed at identifying mechanisms that drive cachexia and developing novel strategies to preserve muscle mass, function, metabolism, and quality of life in patients with cancer. The position offers opportunities to develop scientific independence, establish new research directions, collaborate across disciplines, mentor junior scientists, and acquire the skills and publication record necessary for the next stage of an academic or biomedical research career. Key Responsibilities: 20% - Experimental Research, Project Development, and Data Analysis * Design, plan, execute, and analyze experiments addressing fundamental and translational questions related to cancer cachexia, skeletal muscle wasting, muscle metabolism, and tumor-host interactions. * Develop rigorous experimental strategies, including appropriate controls, statistical approaches, and methods to ensure reproducibility and scientific rigor. * Independently interpret experimental results, troubleshoot technical and conceptual challenges, formulate new hypotheses, and design follow-up studies. 30% - Conduct in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies using advanced biomedical research approaches, working both independently and collaboratively. * Utilize and/or develop state-of-the-art experimental methodologies relevant to the laboratory's research program, including molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, skeletal muscle physiology, animal models of cancer and cachexia, imaging, histological analyses, and other mechanistic or translational approaches. * Contribute to the development, optimization, and validation of novel experimental methods and research models. * Maintain accurate and comprehensive experimental records and ensure appropriate organization, documentation, analysis, and storage of research data. * Participate in management of research projects and laboratory activities, including coordination of experiments, maintenance of research resources, and compliance with institutional research and safety requirements. * Work closely with the Principal Investigator and collaborators to establish project priorities, experimental milestones, and short- and long-term research objectives. 10% - Scientific Communication and Presentation * Prepare regular written and oral summaries of research progress for discussion with the Principal Investigator and research team. * Present research findings at laboratory meetings, departmental seminars, research working groups, journal clubs, and institutional research forums. * Present original research at national and international scientific conferences and other external scientific meetings. * Critically evaluate the scientific literature and contribute to discussions regarding emerging concepts, technologies, and therapeutic opportunities in cancer cachexia and related fields. * Develop clear and effective scientific communication skills for audiences ranging from specialized investigators to broader biomedical communities. 10% - Mentoring, Teaching, and Team Science * Mentor and supervise undergraduate and graduate students, professional research assistants, research staff, and other junior members of the laboratory as appropriate. * Provide guidance in experimental design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, scientific reasoning, and presentation of research findings. * Contribute to a collaborative, intellectually engaging, rigorous, and supportive laboratory environment. * Participate in training new laboratory members in relevant experimental methods, research practices, and laboratory procedures. * Develop leadership and mentorship skills appropriate for progression toward an independent scientific career. 10% - Grant Writing and Career Development * Develop competitive scientific and grant-writing skills through preparation of research proposals, fellowship applications, career development awards, and other internal or external funding applications. * Pursue appropriate institutional, foundation, NIH, Department of Defense, or other fellowship and career-development opportunities, in consultation with the Principal Investigator. * Participate in the development of preliminary data, scientific rationale, hypotheses, experimental aims, and research strategies supporting laboratory grant applications. * Establish an individualized professional development plan with the Principal Investigator, including research, publication, funding, mentorship, and career goals. 10% - Manuscript and Abstract Preparation * Lead the preparation of high-quality, full-length scientific manuscripts describing original research findings. * Prepare abstracts, posters, oral presentations, figures, and other scientific materials for dissemination at conferences and scientific meetings. * Contribute to collaborative manuscripts, reviews, perspectives, and other scholarly publications as appropriate. * Work toward developing a strong and independent publication record that supports future career advancement. 10% - Independent Scholarship, Innovation, and Collaboration * Maintain an up-to-date understanding of the scientific literature relevant to cancer cachexia, skeletal muscle biology, cancer biology, metabolism, and related research areas. * Identify emerging scientific questions, technologies, and experimental approaches that may advance ongoing projects or establish new areas of investigation. * Generate new hypotheses and contribute intellectually to the development of independent and collaborative research projects. * Establish productive collaborations within the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and with external investigators when appropriate. * Explore opportunities to translate fundamental discoveries into clinically relevant biomarkers, therapeutic targets, or interventions for patients affected by cancer cachexia. * Develop research directions that may ultimately form the foundation of an independent scientific program. |
CU Denver
$63,480 to $63,900 commensurate with experience.
Aug 20, 2026