Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

A full-time POSTDOCTORAL POSITION for a PhD, MD, or MD/PhD is available in the laboratory of Kristi Kuhn, MD, PhD, Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to study how autoimmune B cells develop from interactions with bacteria at the intestinal surface as it relates to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The projects will build upon recent publications demonstrating how a unique bacterium targeted by autoantibodies from individuals with RA can stimulate the development of autoimmunity and arthritis in an animal model. Additionally, the work will induce how bacteria-produced metabolites trigger pathogenic autoantibodies. S/He will be a valued contributor to a multi-disciplinary team with experts in immunology, microbiome, and translational studies.

Key Responsibilities:

* Evaluate human serum from a large cohort of individuals at-risk for developing RA for the presence of anti-bacterial antibodies and correlate with clinical features.

* Develop cellular assays to examine human B cell development at a mucosal surface in response to bacteria.

* Utilize mouse models of RA to interrogate B cell repertoire to bacterial and auto-antigens.

* Perform and analyze single-cell RNA sequencing to understand how bacterial products influence B cell functions.

* Present findings through oral and written platforms including publications.

* Apply for career development grants.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Division of Rheumatology at the University of Colorado is a nationally recognized leader in improving patient outcomes, educating the next generation of rheumatologists, and changing the future of rheumatic and autoimmune disease care through discovery and innovation serving the greater Rocky Mountain region. The national ranking of our program demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest quality of care for patients with rheumatologic diseases. We are educating the next generation of rheumatologists and researchers through our fellowship program and interactions with the internal medicine residency, medical school, and graduate school at CU. Our faculty researchers are leading innovations through discoveries in immunology, computational biology, genetics, epidemiology, and outcomes with the ultimate goal of impacting patient care.

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 Immunology

* At least 4 years' experience in an immunology laboratory

* First-author publication

* Experience working with mice

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience performing

o basic immunologic techniques such as ELISA

o molecular biology techniques like protein modification

o cell culture

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Immunology

* Record keeping

* Communication

* Manuscript writing

* Capable of performing single cell sequencing experiments and analysis

* Ability to perform and analyze spectral flow cytometry

* Demonstrated skills in scientific writing and oral presentation

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: Dr. Kristi Kuhn, Kristine.kuhn@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified, but preference will be given to complete applications received by 8/13/2025. 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:

$62,232 and $75,564

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.