Postdoctoral Researcher, Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging

The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging (KIHA) brings together key strengths from around campus and the region to address growing needs here in Denver and throughout the nation. Designed to address complex problems in depth, the Institute builds on the University of Denver's (DU) dedication to the public good by supporting research and scholarship on aging in a variety of disciplines. Lab scientists, social workers, psychologists, lawyers, education specialists, business faculty members, and others are routinely involved. The work of the Institute is truly collaborative work, leveraging the assets of the DU community in the discovery and design of knowledge and engagement across our campus and around the world.

Position Summary

The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging has an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join Dr. Aurélie Ledreux's laboratory located at the University of Denver (DU) in Denver, CO. The Ledreux lab is looking for a motivated and technically gifted Postdoctoral fellow to play a key role in a project funded by an R01 from the National Institutes on Aging. The postdoctoral fellow is expecting to engage in studies investigating the noradrenergic dysfunction in Down syndrome, using intracranial administration of Designer Receptors (DREADDs) and exosomes. Preference will be given to individuals with previous experience in stereotactic surgery in mice. The Postdoctoral fellow is expected to work in close collaboration with the Granholm and Paredes laboratories at the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, located in the Engineering Building at DU.

Essential Functions

• Play a key role in a funded R01 project: plan, design and conduct complex experiments, analyze data including statistics, write manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed journals. 
• Work closely with laboratory staff and faculty to coordinate and develop research studies.
• Routinely conduct surgery and behavioral testing on mice.
• Routinely conduct assays using molecular and biochemistry techniques such as ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and western blot.
• Participate in ongoing lab projects as needed.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings, present and discuss results and relevant literature.
• Present data at national and international meetings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a professional manner as both a self-starter and a team member.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Strong enthusiasm for science, with published scientific manuscripts and excellent writing skills.
• Experience with biochemical assays, western blots, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy are desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word, willing to work flexible hours, and willing to work as part of a team.
• Proficient with SPSS, JASP, GraphPad or similar statistical package.
• Must be willing to learn and use new processes, tools, and equipment.
• Must be able to drive and finish projects independently.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, cell biology or biology related field.
• Skilled with mouse handling, behavioral studies and stereotactic surgery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a Basic Science research lab.

Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Application Deadline
For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) on Friday, February 5, 2021.

Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. CV
2. Cover Letter

Salary Grade Number
The salary grade for the position is GE.

Salary Range
The salary for this position is $51,000/annually. 

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits
The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

The University of Denver is committed to enhancing the diversity of its faculty and staff. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military/ veteran status or any other status protected by law.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.