Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 57,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefit

Excellent benefits

Job summary

The van Engelenburg laboratory at the University of Denver is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to study HIV-1 assembly using advanced imaging approaches. This full-time position leverages NIH-funded work and focuses on mechanistic insights into viral assembly through cutting-edge experiments.

The role involves mentoring graduate students, contributing to publications, and grant proposals while operating in a supportive, collaborative lab environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in virology, biophysics, biochemistry, immunology, or a closely related field.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy is encouraged but not required.
• Demonstrated expertise in generation/handling of lentivirus and development of virological assays.
• Advanced fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Tissue culture methodologies and molecular biology with lentiviruses.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement virological, biochemical, and imaging assays to study HIV-1 assembly.
• Apply advanced microscopy techniques and quantitative image analysis to viral processes.
• Conduct tissue culture experiments to support research objectives.
• Utilize molecular biology and biochemistry tools to study HIV-1 assembly mechanisms.
• Collaborate with and mentor graduate students; contribute to grants and publications.

Skills

Virology expertise

Fluorescence microscopy

Tissue culture

Molecular biology

Analytical thinking

Mentoring and collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in virology or related field

Tools

Western blotting

Lentivirus handling

Fluorescence microscopy

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher

Job No: 499029 Work Type: Postdoc / Research / Fellow Location: Denver, CO Categories: Postdoc / Fellow, Research

Position Summary

The van Engelenburg laboratory is seeking a motivated and highly skilled post-doctoral researcher to join our dynamic laboratory dedicated to studying HIV-1, with a particular focus on development of novel imaging approaches to study virus assembly. This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research funded by a competitive NIH grant, with a focus on contributing to the understanding of mechanisms of HIV-1 assembly through advanced experimental approaches. The role is a full-time, salaried position, and its continuation is contingent upon the ongoing support of the grant.

Essential Functions

• Design and implement virological, biochemical, and imaging assays to address fundamental questions in HIV-1 virus assembly.
• Apply advanced microscopy techniques and perform quantitative image analysis to study viral processes.
• Conduct tissue culture experiments to support research objectives.
• Utilize molecular biology and biochemistry tools to investigate the mechanisms underlying HIV-1 assembly.
• Collaborate with, and co-mentor, graduate student researchers to foster their development into skilled scientists.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals, publications, and presentations that disseminate research findings to the broader scientific community.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in virology, biophysics, biochemistry, immunology, or a closely related field. Experience with fluorescence microscopy techniques is encouraged, but not absolutely necessary.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • Generation and handling of lentivirus preparations and development of virological assays.
  • Advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques and quantitative image analysis.
  • Tissue culture methodologies.
  • Molecular biology experience with cloning and modifying lentiviruses.
  • Biochemical techniques such as Western blotting for quantifying lentivirus assembly and particle production.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a proven record of research accomplishments.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective mentoring and collaboration.
• A commitment to maintaining a positive laboratory environment where all members are included.

Working Environment

• Standard office environment.
• Unexpected interruptions occur often and stress level is moderate to high.
• Noise level is quiet to moderate.

Physical Activities

• Ability to work in front of a computer for extended periods of time.
• Occasionally required to move about the office/campus.

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

Application Deadline

For consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00 p.m. (MST) November 9, 2026.

Salary Grade Number

The salary grade for the position is GE8.

Salary

The salary for this position is $63,480.

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.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, and local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University's educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are based upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history and National Sex Offender Registry background check.