Postdoctoral Fellow - Molecular Oncology

Learning Objectives

• Design and execute in vivo studies in huCD34 humanized mice engrafted with melanoma patient-derived cell (PDC) models under defined dietary Phe regimens and ICI treatment.
• Breed, genotype, and phenotype compound genetic models, including BrafCA/+;PtenloxP/loxP;Tyr::CreERT2, PahR408W, and neutrophil-specific Grik1f/f; Mrp8-Cre lines.
• Isolate and profile tumor-associated neutrophils and tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells by flow and phospho-flow cytometry, CyTOF, ELISA, Seahorse extracellular flux, and cytotoxicity assays.
• Dissect the PAH degradation pathway and the GRIK1-CaMKIV-STING axis using immunoprecipitation, ubiquitination and phospho-specific immunoblotting, in vitro kinase assays, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, and hiPSC-derived hepatocyte and neutrophil-like cell systems.
• Formulate, deliver, and evaluate GalNAc-conjugated and LNP-encapsulated HULC RNA mimetics, including pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and toxicity studies.
• Perform and analyze COMET multiplex spatial proteomics on murine and human melanoma tissue and integrate results with bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq datasets.
• Prepare manuscripts, present at national meetings, and contribute to grant applications, including fellowship and career development awards.

Eligibility Requirements

• PhD, MD, or MD/PhD, or expected within six months, in immunology, cancer biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated productivity, evidenced by at least one first-author publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Hands-on in vivo experience: syngeneic and/or xenograft tumor implantation, tumor growth monitoring, survival studies, mouse colony management, genotyping, and IACUC protocol compliance.
• Multicolor flow cytometry, including immune panel design, tissue dissociation, and analysis of tumor-infiltrating lymphoid and myeloid populations.
• Core molecular and biochemical techniques: immunoblotting, co-immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR, ELISA, plasmid and lentiviral construct generation, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and primary cell culture.
• Quantitative rigor: appropriate statistical testing, power considerations, blinding and randomization, and transparent record keeping.
• Strong written and spoken English, with the ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary collaborative team.

Position Information

• MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions 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.