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:
- 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.
- 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 research projects.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences.
- Proficiency in fundamental molecular biology and microbiology techniques (e.g., PCR, cloning, protein expression, microbial culture).
- Familiarity with computational tools for data analysis, including differential gene expression analysis and the use of R or related programming languages.
- Ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment and to mentor junior researchers.
- Commitment to rigorous data management, reproducibility, and adherence to biosafety protocols.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field, completed prior to the start date.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent, high-quality research.
Preferred Qualifications
- Expertise in molecular, cellular, or microbial biology.
- Experience with computational biology approaches, including analysis of large-scale sequencing data.
- Background and strong interest in evolutionary biology and host–microbe interactions.
- Quantitative skills in statistics, bioinformatics, or systems-level analysis.
Working Environment
- Standard office and laboratory environment.
- Optional fieldwork may occur at lakes and streams.
- Optional fieldwork activities may include wading, snorkeling, or SCUBA diving in cold water, with overnight stays in hotels, motels, or other accommodations as appropriate.
- Fieldwork, if undertaken, typically occurs during the fall or winter seasons for a total of approximately one week per year.
- The position may involve moderate to high stress at times due to unexpected interruptions, deadlines, and multiple ongoing projects.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
Physical Activities
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
- Occasional movement around the office, laboratory, or campus, including the ability to transport objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Manual dexterity and ability to use laboratory equipment, including micropipettes, for extended periods of time.
- Ability to participate in optional field activities that may require wading, snorkeling, or SCUBA diving in variable conditions.
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) October 1, 2025.
Special Instructions
Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.
Salary Grade Number
The salary grade for the position is 8.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $62,232-$70,344 in accordance with the NIH pay scale.
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:
- Resume
- 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, or 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, or 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 contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.