Postdoctoral Fellow - Cancer Systems Imaging

About the role

The department of Cancer Systems Imaging (CSI) is one of the largest new programs at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center within the Division of Diagnostic Imaging. The goal of this department and its research program is to develop new technologies to visualize and assess the cellular, biochemical, and genetic processes that contribute to the progression and regression of cancer and to translate these discoveries into the clinic.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will lead and oversee projects in the Millward laboratory that primarily entails the directed evolution and characterization of novel imaging probes and therapeutics. As such, the primary purpose of this position is to provide experimental leadership and support for research projects at the scientific interface between chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, animal models, and molecular imaging. The applicant will apply technical expertise and scientific background and manage and oversee the research activities of philanthropic, federal and state, and industry sponsored awards in the space of directed evolution, peptide synthesis, ligand design, biophysical validation, and functional cell-based assays. He/She will create innovative solutions involving technology, methodology, tools, and solution components for research initiatives in the discovery and translational chemistry research environment. He/She will work with laboratory personnel to enhance multi -disciplinary departmental collaborations. The position will maintain professional and cooperative relationships with business partners, administrators, research scientists/investigators, and other academic professionals to ensure efficient communication, follow-trough, and coordination of scientific short/long range goals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular/cell biology or related disciplines from an accredited institution of higher learning
• Self-motivated, working as a team, and excellent communication skills

Learning Objectives

• Gain a strong intellectual foundation in directed evolution and chemical biology
• Be trained in mRNA Display, peptide synthesis, protein expression and purification, and biophysical analysis of target-ligand interactions
• Master the process of ligand design from library construction to hit validation
• Obtain additional training in molecular imaging and mouse models during the postdoctoral fellowship

Eligibility Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular/cell biology or related disciplines from an accredited institution of higher learning. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated, working as a team, and have excellent communication skills.

Position Information

• Full-time postdoc positions offered with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition
• Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements
• This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening
• The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment
• Equal employment opportunity provided without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law