Postdoctoral Fellow - Genomic Medicine

About the role

The Johnston Laboratory is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of microbiologists, synthetic biologists, and engineers dedicated to developing microbial cell therapies (MCTs) for cancer treatment. Our long-term goal is to harness the tumor-colonizing capabilities of specific microbes and engineer them as programmable therapeutic platforms for targeted payload delivery within the tumor microenvironment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced genetic engineering strategies to render non-model, tumor-associated microbes tractable for synthetic manipulation.
• Gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and testing novel genetic tools (e.g., modular expression systems, recombination-based genome editing, and transformation protocols).
• Support the development of microbial cell therapies (MCTs) by applying these engineered systems in preclinical animal models of cancer.
• Formulate translational hypotheses, design and execute experimental workflows, and troubleshoot complex engineering challenges.
• Receive training in grant writing, mentorship of junior trainees, and collaborative project leadership.
• Work closely with the PI and other postdocs to lead strain development efforts, establish and troubleshoot new genetic tools, and drive MCT platform progress toward translational milestones.

Requirements

• Hold a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, bioengineering, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in bacterial genetic engineering, including cloning, genome editing (e.g., allelic exchange, recombineering, CRISPR tools), and transformation of non-model or fastidious microbes.
• Strong foundation in molecular cloning, microbial physiology, and interest in translational microbiology.
• Experience with microbial transformation, conjugation, electroporation optimization, and synthetic biology design principles is valued.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Skills

• Advanced genetic engineering strategies.
• Designing and building novel genetic tools.
• Translational microbiology.
• Grant writing.
• Mentorship of junior trainees.
• Collaborative project leadership.

Benefits

• Salary range: $64,000 to $76,000, depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience.
• Excellent benefits package including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

Pay

• Salary range: $64,000 to $76,000, depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience.

Schedule

• Forty hours per week.

Contact Information

To apply, interested applicants should send a Cover Letter specifying past research experience/skills/accomplishments, career motivations, a Curriculum Vitae, and the contact information of three (3) Referees to Dr. Christopher Johnston at cdjohnston@mdanderson.org with the subject line entitled "MCT Postdoctoral Fellow - Application - Applicant's Name".

Position Information

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.