Cohen Lab- Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Colorado Anschutz
Department: Department of Surgery- GITES

Job Title: Cohen Lab- Postdoctoral Fellow

Position #:00851218 – Requisition #:40643

Job Summary:

NIH/DoD/DARPA-funded lab studying trauma-induced coagulopathy and thromboinflammation. Focus on protein C system biology, endothelial dysfunction, and novel therapeutics. Translational approach spans human biorepository, mouse models, and multiomics.

The Cohen Lab at CU Anschutz (NIH/DoD/DARPA-funded) seeks a postdoctoral fellow supported by the NIH T32 Critical Injury and Illness Training Program. The R01-funded project centers on the protein C pathway as the mechanistic bridge between trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) and thromboinflammation. Work uses human trauma biorepository samples, validated mouse models of hemorrhagic shock, a 3D endothelial flow model, and high-throughput proteomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics. Projects include therapeutic modulation of APC activity via nanobodies and engineered variants, endothelial barrier and calcium signaling assays, and multiomic phenotyping of post-injury states. Candidates should hold a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, or bioengineering with experience in endothelial cell models, microfluidic/flow systems, rodent models, and/or multiomics. Strong interest in translational research at the intersection of coagulation, inflammation, and therapeutics is required.

The fellow will contribute to ongoing R01-funded aims focused on: (1) mechanistic characterization of protein C pathway activation in trauma-induced coagulopathy using clinical patient samples and ex vivo mixing studies with APC-selective nanobodies and engineered superFVa; (2) endothelial biology of thromboinflammation including barrier function, calcium signaling, and mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction studied in a novel 3D flow model and validated mouse models of hemorrhagic shock; and (3) multiomic (proteomic, metabolomic, lipidomic) endotyping of post-injury phenotypes and trajectories using a biorepository of >10,000 samples from severely injured patients.

The fellow will be co-mentored by Dr. Mitchell J. Cohen MD FACS (trauma surgeon-scientist, Professor of Surgery, Bruce Rockwell Chair) and a multidisciplinary team including experts in coagulation biology, proteomics/metabolomics, thrombosis modeling, and bioengineering. The NIH T32 Critical Injury and Illness Training Program provides structured training in grant writing, scientific communication, and career development. The fellow will have access to state-of-the-art core facilities at CU Anschutz including mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, high-resolution microscopy, and a dedicated Level 1 Trauma Center biorepository.

Work Location:

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

Why Join Us:

The Department of Surgery's leading-edge research programs focus on the search for the next cure, newest innovations, and breakthrough clinical trials. Our faculty, researchers, and students are relentless in their pursuit of discoveries that will transform the future of surgery.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a comprehensive urban research university serving more than 28,000 students in metropolitan Denver and online. With our solid academic reputation, award-winning faculty and renown