Job Description

The laboratory of Dr. Lawrence Kwong in the department of Translational Molecular Pathology seeks a postdoctoral fellow who has experience in both mouse modeling and bioinformatics, with a preference for additional experience in histopathology. The research program is focused on cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma, with an emphasis on generating new mouse models of cholangiocarcinoma, plus patient sample analysis integrating histopathology with omics. The primary goal of training will be career guidance towards becoming an independent scientist who can be a future leader in cancer biology.

The successful candidate will establish new orthotopic models of metabolically-perturbed cholangiocarcinoma, and will also analyze a large body of existing vertical patient-derived omics data and generate new data from patient sample analytes from the institution's growing hepatobiliary cancer biobank. Existing datasets include whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, ChIP-seq, proteomics, and spatial transcriptomics, to be correlated with extensive digitized histopathology and clinical data. The fellow will be expected to coordinate with several teams of clinicians, researchers, and analysts in a highly collaborative environment. Depending on the results, the fellow may also conduct functional assays to validate the omics-driven hypotheses, such as knocking out or overexpressing candidate genes in cell lines and/or assessing responses to specific inhibitors in vitro.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The postdoctoral fellow will gain expertise in mouse modeling including identification and testing of new therapies, plus managing a large collection of patient samples and datasets and integrating them into a hypothesis-driven project narrative. There is also the opportunity for wet bench research including cell culture, CRISPR, gene overexpression, western blots, drug testing, and more, depending on the outcomes and needs of the projects. Significant time will also be spent on reading pathology slides from both patients and mice.

In addition, the fellow will learn how to analyze in-depth clinical information, communicating regularly with clinicians and clinical teams, as well as coordinating with formal bioinformatics and biostatistics collaborators. Training will also focus on developing critical skills in scientific communication, including manuscript writing, grant preparation, and presentation of research findings. By the end of the training period, the fellow is expected to demonstrate scientific independence, a strong publication record, and a well-defined research vision to support transition to an independent research career.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
An individual holding a recent (within three years) Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in an appropriate field who is seeking a temporary appointment, under the supervision of a faculty mentor, involving full-time laboratory-based research or scholarship in preparation for an academic or research career as an independent investigator. This appointment is not part of a clinical training program; individuals holding an M.D. degree or equivalent are not permitted to engage in patient care activity.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Translational Molecular Pathology Department website:

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.

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.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity 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.

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work, Local area

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