Post-Doctoral Fellow

University of Colorado | Denver

Department: Integrative Biology

Official Title: Post Doctoral Fellow

FTE: Full-time

Position #00811260 - Requisition #32768

About the University of Colorado - Denver
The University of Colorado Denver is the state's premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state's largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $800 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu.

* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *

Nature of Work

The research group of Dr. Alan Vajda at The University of Colorado Denver is seeking a full-time post-doctoral fellow in Molecular Ecotoxicology to be located at the Downtown Denver Campus beginning in the Spring/Summer of 2024 in the Department of Integrative Biology within the College of Arts and Sciences. The position is a minimum 12-month appointment, with the potential for up to 36-months, funded by the Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). Applicants should hold a doctoral degree with expertise in one or more of the following topic areas: toxicology, environmental toxicology, bioinformatics, multi-omics data analysis, and/or chemical informatics.

Research Project: The Vajda laboratory aims to develop a quantitative understanding of biomarker responses to mixtures of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) through multi-omic molecular, cellular, organismal and population (i.e. fecundity) levels (i.e., systems approach) to determine response thresholds, dose-dependency, and mode of action. Relationship between biomarker response profiles to PFAS body burden will be evaluated to identify priority contaminants and discern effects of mixtures.

This project will inform approaches to environmental monitoring of PFAS-contaminated sites by a) identifying PFAS environmental mixture concentration ranges linked to measured biomarker responses, b) determine the extent to which laboratory-derived PFAS benchmark doses are protective of fish health at sites impacted by PFAS mixtures and other co-occurring contaminants, c) validate high-throughput screening assessments for identifying hazards to ecological receptors, and d) determine the extent to which adverse organismal outcomes can be predicted by aquatic PFAS concentrations or PFAS body burden.

Learning Objectives: The post-doctoral fellow will be afforded the opportunity to interact with internationally recognized leaders in the area of environmental toxicology, bioinformatics and ecotoxicogenomics. The post-doctoral fellow will have the opportunity to contribute to and to publish original research. This training opportunity will provide an early career scientist with knowledge, skills, professional networking, and abilities needed to apply new technologies and associated data to regulatory decision-making at the local, national, or international scale and to pursue a professional career in life sciences research.

Mentors: The primary mentor for this opportunity is Dr. Alan Vajda (alan.vajda@ucdenver.edu). Additional key personnel contributing to postdoctoral mentoring on this project include Dr. Chris Miller (Chris.Miller@ucdenver.edu), Dr. Chris Martyniuk (cmartyn@UF.edu), and Dr. David Bertolatus (dbertolatus@adams.edu). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Examples of Work Performed

With guidance from the project mentors, and based on interest and expertise, the post-doctoral fellow may be involved in some or all of the following activities: (1) conduct RNAseq experiments using fathead minnows as a model organism; (2) statistically evaluate linkages between tissue PFAS concentrations and integrated omics and organismal responses; (3) integrate disparate data types in order to provide biological context and interpretation to characterize chemical mechanism of action; (4) apply machine learning algorithms for identification of biomarkers and classification of environmental toxicants; (5) develop models to inform ecotoxicological risk from exposure to environmental PFAS mixtures; (6) contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed journal articles and disseminating research results to project partners, stakeholders, and the research community; (7) present research at regional, national, and/or international conferences and workshops.

Supervision Received

The Postdoctoral Fellow reports to the Lab Director Dr. Alan Vajda.

Supervision Exercised

The Postdoctoral Fellow will not supervise other employees. However, the position will provide training and mentoring to graduate and/or undergraduate students.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

* The qualified candidate should have received a doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields (toxicology, environmental toxicology, computational omics, and/or chemical informatics), or be currently pursuing the degree and will reach completion by the appointment start date. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience processing and analyzing RNAseq or other next-generation sequencing data

* Experience or familiarity with machine learning, complex data visualization, and/or data mining

* Experience with RNA extraction and NGS library preparation

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

* Interdisciplinary knowledge in statistics, biology, environmental sciences, and computer science

* Familiarity with current techniques and concepts in environmental toxicology including benchmark dose estimation, transcriptomic points of departure, and mixture modeling

* Excellent programming skills, proficiency with at least one programming language (e.g. R, Python, C++)

* Excellent written and oral communication skills to present scientific data and methods

* Demonstrated knowledge and skills in developing new bioinformatics/statistics methods/tools

* Understanding of open-data and FAIR principles is considered a plus

As of 7/1/2023, The University of Colorado recommends employees be fully vaccinated from the COVID-19, but is not required. COVID recommendations and information can be found at: https://www.ucdenver.edu/coronavirus

The hiring rate (or budgeted rate) for this position has been established at $61,008 per year. Funding is available to support meeting travel.

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 rate 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.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

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

Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125

The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.

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 workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

The University of Colorado Denver is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting diverse faculty and staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equity in education and employment.