Postdoctoral Fellow - Radiation Physics - Research

A postdoctoral fellow position is available in the Sawakuchi lab at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to work on projects funded by UT MD Anderson, NIH-NCI (P01 and R01) and industry. The Sawakuchi Lab focuses on novel methods to sensitize cancer to radiation while minimizing toxicities to normal tissues. We are interested in understanding how defects in DNA repair and metabolism can be leveraged to sensitize cancers, but not normal tissue, to radiation and how this combination of radiation and DNA repair/metabolism defects can be used to stimulate an antitumor immune response. Our projects use different types and radiation and sources including photons, protons, alpha particles, beta particles and low energy electrons from external sources radiation or radioisotopes.

The postdoctoral fellow will engage in radiobiology research to understand how different types of radiation induce cellular damage and how the cells cope with the damage. Job duties include performing Monte Carlo simulations; assisting with in vitro and in vivo experiments; writing experimental protocols, reports, abstracts and manuscripts; assisting with writing of research proposals; assisting with generating preliminary data for research proposals; presenting in scientific meetings; assisting with laboratory management.

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:
• Develop skills to quantify radiation-induced cellular damage in detailed cellular models.
• Improve scientific writing skills with the expectation to publish manuscripts reporting the findings of the research.
• Gain further experience in the preparation and delivery of scientific presentations.
• Develop projects to apply for fellowships and trainee grants.
• Acquire relevant training necessary for the position.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Ideal candidates should have finished their Ph.D. degree in medical physics, physics, engineering or similar research fields. Experience with Monte Carlo simulations of radiation transport using TOPAS or other codes and radiation dosimetry is highly desired. Candidates should be motivated to learn radiobiology assays in the wet laboratory.

Good verbal and written communication skills are also important. The individual is expected to work within a large group of motivated interdisciplinary researchers including clinicians, faculty members, postdoctoral fellows and other research staff.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Interested applicants should submit a CV with a full list of publications, a brief statement of research interest, and the contact details of three references.

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.