Postdoctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

The Thomas Lab is recruiting a postdoctoral associate for a funded position to study how intratumoral bacteria modulate the tumor microenvironment in oral squamous cell carcinoma. This 4-5-year project is supported by an NIH R56, the HNC SPORE, and other research funding. The postdoc will investigate the spatial and functional relationships between intratumoral bacteria and immune cell populations using spatial transcriptomics. Mechanisms by which bacteria modulate the tumor microenvironment will be studied using orthotopic mouse models, with a focus on myeloid cell populations. Translational work will involve peripheral blood profiling of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. 

Training in the Thomas Lab is designed to support postdoctoral scholars pursuing careers in academia, industry, medicine, or other research-related fields. Professional development will be tailored to each scholar’s career goals and interests and will include opportunities such as:

• Scientific conferences: Funding to attend and present research at a minimum of one national scientific meeting each year, providing opportunities to disseminate findings, build professional networks, and engage with leaders in the field.
• Specialized training: Support for courses and workshops that build skills relevant to the scholar’s research and career goals, including microbiome and bioinformatics analysis, scientific and grant writing, and other methodological or professional development programs.
• Grant development and submission: Individualized mentorship to identify appropriate funding opportunities and develop competitive grant applications. Scholars will receive guidance throughout the application process, including the development of research proposals, specific aims, career development plans, and other application components. Potential opportunities include the NIH Loan Repayment Programs, grants and fellowships from professional societies and foundations, and institutional funding mechanisms.
• Mentorship experience: Opportunities to develop mentoring and leadership skills by working with medical students, residents, and other trainees engaged in laboratory research.
• Translational research exposure: Opportunities to engage with the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the Head and Neck Cancer SPORE, offering exposure to multidisciplinary, collaborative research and a firsthand view of how discoveries progress from the laboratory to clinical investigation and, ultimately, to patient care.

Postdoctoral scholars will be encouraged to take increasing ownership of their scientific and professional development, including identifying training opportunities, building collaborations, presenting their work, and developing the skills needed for their next career stage.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a comprehensive urban research university, offering more graduate and professional degrees than any other Colorado public institution. With award-winning and renowned clinical and research faculty, the academic reputation of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery is well known for its distinctive and highly productive clinical, research, and training programs. Our world-class healthcare facilities, well-established partnerships in business, industry and across the community drive excellence across our missions.

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 microbiology, immunology, cancer biology, or a biomedical sciences-related field is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong experience with flow cytometry, murine experiments, ELISA, and bacterial culture methods
• Some experience with microbiome methods and an interest in spatial transcriptomics
• Demonstrated skills in data analysis (R, SAS, or equivalent) and scientific writing

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Great attention to detail
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other faculty and staff at all levels throughout the institution

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: Carissa Thomas, carissa.thomas@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, please apply by 10/31/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as HIRING RANGE:

$63,480 to $74,424

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.