Postdoctoral Research Associate, Biological Sciences

About the University of Denver

Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators, students, and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower them to make a difference around the world. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.

About the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

The college is home to five academic departments: Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geography and the Environment, Mathematics, and Physics and Astronomy. The college offers over 30 degrees ranging from Bachelor of Arts to Doctor of Philosophy as well as having many active research labs funded through extramural sources.

About the Department of Biological Sciences

The Department of Biological Sciences integrates faculty, postdocs, and graduate students from a range of sub-disciplines ranging from Cell and Molecular Biology to Genomics, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology. In addition to core programs, members of the department also participate in the NSM college-wide Molecular Biophysics graduate training program, the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging, and the DU Evolution, Ecology, and Biodiversity supergroup (DUEEBs). As part of the larger front-range scientific community, research in the department is supported by core facilities at DU, and at neighboring institutions (University of Colorado School of Medicine, and University of Colorado Boulder).

Position Summary

The Nichols Lab at the University of Denver (DU) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Our research uses the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri (Porifera) as a model system to uncover the cellular foundations of multicellularity in animals.

We focus on two main areas:

1. Cell adhesion and epithelial evolution – investigating how mucosal epithelia are assembled and maintained, and how these processes inform the origins of complex tissues in animals.
2. Innate immunity and host–microbe interactions – studying the genetic and cellular mechanisms by which sponges distinguish between pathogenic and prey bacteria, and exploring the evolutionary origins of animal immune systems.
   Our work integrates experimental cell biology, molecular genetics, and evolutionary approaches, with an emphasis on developing Ephydatia as a tractable system for probing fundamental questions in cell biology and evolution.
   The preferred candidate will hold a PhD in Biology (evolutionary, or molecular/cell) or a related field (e.g., biochemistry). Applicants should have experience in wet-lab methods (e.g., PCR, molecular cloning, microbiology, protein expression and purification) and basic computational techniques (e.g., R, gene expression analysis, or implementing academic software packages).

This is a full-time, 12-month appointment with the possibility of annual renewal based on performance and continued funding. The start date is flexible.

Essential Functions

The postdoctoral associate will play an active role in advancing the Nichols Lab’s research program. They will be expected to learn and master laboratory techniques for working with the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri and contribute to troubleshooting, protocol optimization, and development of new experimental approaches. The position involves handling the BSL-2 pathogen Legionella pneumophila, requiring adherence to strict biosafety practices.

The postdoc will also contribute to the mentorship and training of graduate students, undergraduates, and technicians, and will collaborate closely with other members of the lab. They will present research at conferences, contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, and assist in writing grant proposals. Additional responsibilities include maintaining detailed laboratory records, ensuring experimental reproducibility, and developing increasing independence in project design and execution.

This position emphasizes both scientific contribution and professional development. The postdoc will be encouraged to pursue career-building opportunities, including networking, workshops, and fellowship applications, with guidance and support from the PI.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to design, execute, and analyze independent res