Post-Doctoral Fellow

Job Summary:

A postdoctoral fellow position is immediately available in the laboratory of Dr. Katherine Fantauzzo in the Department of Craniofacial, Oral and Materials Sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz to study PDGFR dimer-specific dynamics in the mouse craniofacial mesenchyme. The Fantauzzo laboratory developed a novel bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) approach that enabled the visualization and purification of individual PDGFR dimers, revealing differences in the timing and extent of dimer activation, signal molecule binding, internalization, trafficking and downstream signaling. These findings have shifted the paradigm on how biological specificity is achieved to generate unique responses downstream of PDGFR engagement. Available projects will utilize novel PDGFR-BiFC knockin mouse models to 1) determine how PDGF ligand identity and concentration affect receptor dimerization and internalization using flow cytometry and CITE-seq in combination with spatial transcriptomics; and 2) characterize the dimer-specific interacting proteins that mediate differential internalization and trafficking of the various PDGFR dimers in vitro and in vivo. These studies will provide significant insight into broadly applicable mechanisms underlying the temporal and spatial regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling during mammalian craniofacial development.

We are seeking highly motivated, creative and interactive applicants with the ability to work independently. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong background in mouse developmental biology and/or cellular signaling who published a first-author paper as a result of their Ph.D. work. The position will include weekly meetings with Dr. Fantauzzo, monthly Fantauzzo laboratory meetings and journal clubs, and participation in joint craniofacial development group meetings and cell biology journal clubs. Career development opportunities are available through the Fantauzzo laboratory and the University of Colorado Anschutz campus. More information can be found on the Fantauzzo laboratory website (http://www.fantauzzolab.org).

Key Responsibilities:

* Read and incorporate findings from relevant scientific literature

* Rigorously design, perform and analyze experiments

* Maintain a detailed laboratory notebook and organize experimental results

* Trouble-shoot technical issues related to the research project(s)

* Collaborate with Principal Investigator and other laboratory members, as well as other laboratories, involved in team science

* Draft funding applications, scientific presentations (poster and oral) and publications

* Present and actively participate in monthly Fantauzzo laboratory meetings and journal clubs, and present at local/national/international conferences

* Other related duties as assigned by Principal Investigator

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Department of Craniofacial, Oral and Materials Sciences is a basic science department with the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. The department conducts research related to the molecular, genetic and developmental mechanisms involved in early craniofacial and neural crest development; cancer cellular and molecular biology with a primary focus on the signaling pathways involved in neoplastic development; cutting-edge dental composite restorative materials and light-propelled nanoadditives; and high-performance 3D multi-material inkject printable polymers. Department of Craniofacial, Oral and Materials Sciences research and educational activities are fully integrated with the interdisciplinary research community at the University of Colorado Anschutz.

About the University of Colorado Anschutz

The University of Colorado Anschutz is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education, and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $757 million in research grants. For more information, visit www.cuanschutz.edu.

Why work for the University?

The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package. To see what benefits are available for Postdoctoral Fellows, please visit:

* Payroll & Benefits Orientation for Post-Doctoral Fellows | University of Colorado (cu.edu)

* benefits guide https://www.cu.edu/docs/benefits-package-guide-post-doctoral-fellows

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

* Graduation from an accredited university with a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in life sciences such as biology, cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology or related field (degree(s) must be conferred prior to starting position, but need not be completed at time of application)

Preferred Qualifications:

* Strong background in mouse developmental biology and/or cellular signaling

* Publication of at least one first-author paper as a result of graduate work

* Willingness to work with laboratory mice

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Self-motivation

* Reading and incorporating findings from relevant scientific literature

* Rigorous design, performance and analysis of experiments

* Ability to work independently and as part of a team

* Ability to maintain a detailed laboratory notebook and organize experimental results

* Ability to communicate science in written and oral formats

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant professional experiences as they relate to the listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three 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. Katherine Fantauzzo at katherine.fantauzzo@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by 10/1/2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

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

$63,480 to $77,076

The salary range is consistent with 2026 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award stipend levels for postdoctoral fellows with 0-7 years of experience. Starting salary will be based on years of experience as a postdoctoral fellow.

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 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.