University of Colorado

Current themes of ongoing clinical and laboratory research include but are not limited to basic mechanisms of atherogenesis and restenosis, vascular complications of diabetes, basic mechanisms of angiogenesis and vascular development, epigenetic mechanisms of heart failure and pulmonary vascular disease, the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension, and roles and origins of progenitor cells in vascular development and vascular disease progression.. Dr. Weiser-Evans has strong collaborations with investigators in the Department of Medicine’s Renal, Cardiology, Pulmonary, and Endocrinology Divisions, the Department of Pediatrics, the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and the CVP Laboratory.. In vivo mouse genetic approaches are complemented by in vitro studies using cultured SMCs as well as co-culture systems that allow us to examine crosstalk between SMCs and inflammatory cells (e.g. macrophages).. Ongoing studies are focused on defining the mechanisms driving SMC reprogramming, determining the distinct functions of adventitial SMC-derived stem cells in the maintenance and repair of the vessel wall as well as their role in disease progression, and determining their therapeutic potential in vascular repair, bioengineering of blood vessels, and in the revascularization of ischemic tissues.. PCR/qPCR, IHC/IF) and statistical analyses (Microsoft Excel/PRISM/JMP).

laboratory science

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine | Department of Medicine | Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension Job Title: Intermediate Laboratory Science Professional Position: #00800723 – Requisition: #33646 Job Summary: The Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has a long legacy in academic medicine. Our mission is to provide the highest level of medical care to patients, to train the next generation of academic leaders, and to expand on cutting-edge basic and clinical investigation in Nephrology. The Renal Division at the University of Colorado is one of the premier academic programs in the United States. Please explore our website to learn more about our state-of-the-art clinical, educational and research programs, and distinguished faculty members. Basic science and translational research in vascular biology is a major strength at the University of Colorado. The cardiopulmonary and vascular biology emphasis at the Institution integrates several well-established and successful programs and laboratories that utilize multidisciplinary approaches towards developing a greater understanding of basic mechanisms and therapies for the treatment of diverse cardiac, pulmonary, and vascular diseases. Current themes of ongoing clinical and laboratory research include but are not limited to basic mechanisms of atherogenesis and restenosis, vascular complications of diabetes, basic mechanisms of angiogenesis and vascular development, epigenetic mechanisms of heart failure and pulmonary vascular disease, the pathobiology of pulmonary hypertension, and roles and origins of progenitor cells in vascular development and vascular disease progression. Dr. Weiser-Evans has strong collaborations with investigators in the Department of Medicine’s Renal, Cardiology, Pulmonary, and Endocrinology Divisions, the Department of Pediatrics, the University of Colorado Cancer Center, and the CVP Laboratory. Key Responsibilities: <ul><li>Utilize genetic mouse models enabling cell lineage tracing and gene knockout/knockin to define mechanisms underlying pathological vascular remodeling, including acute vascular injury and chronic atherosclerosis.</li><li>Perform flow cytometry and multispectral imaging to understand cell type changes in disease settings.</li><li>Prepare tissues for single cell analyses (scRNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq, etc.).</li><li>Establish and optimize in vitro cell culture systems to delineate molecular mechanisms underlying vascular disease progression.</li><li>Assist with studies using human normal and diseased arterial tissues. </li></ul>Work Location: Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located in Aurora, CO. Why Join Us: Our laboratory focuses on vascular biology, with particular emphasis on smooth muscle cell (SMC) signaling and understanding the regulation of SMC phenotypic modulation in disease. We have developed novel genetic mouse models that allow inducible smooth muscle-specific knockout or overexpression of specific genes involved in progression of vascular disease. We routinely use an SMC fate-mapping approach developed in our lab to track mature SMCs in the setting of disease progression even if they lose all detectable expression of traditional SMC markers. This approach facilitates molecular analyses such as RNA-Seq, ChIP, and CyTOF mass cytometry. In vivo mouse genetic approaches are complemented by in vitro studies using cultured SMCs as well as co-culture systems that allow us to examine crosstalk between SMCs and inflammatory cells (e.g. macrophages). My lab has been particularly interested in the role of the tumor suppressor PTEN as essential for directing SMC differentiation. We were one of the first to identify PTEN in SMCs as an essential regulator of pathological vascular remodeling. Our most recent studies defined a novel function for PTEN as an essential transcriptional co-factor with SRF in the regulation of the SMC differentiation program. Importantly and clinically relevant, studying normal and diseased human coronary arteries, we established that loss of PTEN expression directly correlated with SMC dedifferentiation and atherosclerosis progression and complexity. Our recent data demonstrate that systemic upregulation of PTEN is sufficient to block pathological vascular remodeling, making PTEN a highly significant therapeutic target. An additional area of focus and serendipitous findings using fate-mapping approaches demonstrated that mature SMCs are genetically reprogrammed to give rise to a select subpopulation of resident adventitial vascular progenitor cells. We showed that adventitial SMC-derived stem cells (AdvSca1-SM cells) are the predominant cell type responding to vessel wall dysfunction and matrix production. Ongoing studies are focused on defining the mechanisms driving SMC reprogramming, determining the distinct functions of adventitial SMC-derived stem cells in the maintenance and repair of the vessel wall as well as their role in disease progression, and determining their therapeutic potential in vascular repair, bioengineering of blood vessels, and in the revascularization of ischemic tissues. The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, tuition benefits, ECO pass, paid time off – vacation, sick, holidays and more. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits-wellness. Diversity and Equity: The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community and all veterans. The University of Colorado is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: <ul><li>Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics, or related field.</li><ul><li>A combination of education and related technical/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree on a year for year basis.</li></ul><li>One (1) year professional level research experience. </li></ul>Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire. Preferred Qualifications: <ul><li>Master’s degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, genetics or related field.</li><li>One (1) year of experience in an experimental or wet laboratory.</li><li>Experience with mouse models of disease.</li><li>Experience with basic cellular, molecular techniques (Western blotting, </li><li>PCR/qPCR, IHC/IF) and statistical analyses (Microsoft Excel/PRISM/JMP). </li></ul>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: <ul><li>Proficient knowledge of basic laboratory techniques including safety procedures and techniques.</li><li>Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.</li><li>Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.</li><li>Outstanding customer service skills.</li><li>Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity and inclusion.</li><li>Knowledge of basic human anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.</li><li>Ability to interpret and master complex research protocol information.</li><li>Proven ability to work independently within a research lab. </li></ul>How to Apply: For full consideration, please submit the following document(s): <ul><li> A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position.</li><li> Curriculum vitae / Resume</li><li> Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address. </li></ul>Questions should be directed to: Betsy Pike, Renal Division Human Resources, betsy.pike@cuanschutz.edu Screening of Applications Begins: Immediately and continues until May 20th, 2024. Anticipated Pay Range: The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $48,970 - $62,290. 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 may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level. 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 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@cuanschutz.edu . Background Check Statement: The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus 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. University Staff Job Category Research Services Primary Location Aurora Department U0001 -- Anschutz Med Campus or Denver Schedule Full-time Posting Date May 15, 2024 Unposting Date May 20, 2024, 11:59:00 PM Posting Contact Name Betsy Pike Posting Contact Email betsy.pike@cuanschutz.edu Position Number 00800723

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