Postdoctoral Fellow - GI Medical Oncology - Research

The Postdoctoral Fellow will support the Principal Investigator in the execution of clinical, translational, and basic science objectives for Project 1 of an NIH SPORE grant focused on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with a particular emphasis on targeting the PD-1 signaling pathway. This work integrates clinical trial data with comprehensive analyses of patient-derived blood and tissue samples to perform protein-based and molecular profiling aimed at identifying predictors of treatment response and clinical outcomes.

The successful candidate will function independently in the conceptualization, design, and initiation of research experiments. Responsibilities include developing, optimizing, and adapting experimental methodologies, instrumentation, and assays to achieve project objectives. The fellow will define specific research goals, analyze and interpret complex datasets, evaluate experimental outcomes, and continuously refine analytical techniques and problem-solving approaches.

The role requires extensive interaction with electronic medical records and research databases containing clinical annotations, tissue repositories, cytokine profiles, protein biomarker data, and tumor molecular datasets. The fellow will be responsible for integrating and analyzing these multidimensional data to generate meaningful insights.

In addition, the Postdoctoral Fellow will compile, analyze, and synthesize research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The individual is expected to independently prepare grant proposals and also collaborate with the Principal Investigator on the development and submission of grant applications.

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

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the biology of hepatocellular carcinoma, including tumor-immune microenvironment interactions and molecular and clinical predictors of patient outcomes.

Demonstrate the ability to efficiently search, critically assess, and synthesize clinical and scientific literature to inform experimental design and translational research strategies.

Cultivate the capacity to generate well-founded scientific hypotheses based on existing clinical observations or experimental data and to rigorously evaluate and defend those hypotheses through data-driven analysis.

Strengthen proficiency in clearly and effectively communicating scientific findings through both written formats (manuscripts, reports, and grant proposals) and oral presentations to diverse scientific audiences.

Acquire the skills necessary to independently develop and write compelling, competitive grant applications that clearly articulate significance, innovation, and scientific rigor.

Gain familiarity with and successfully navigate all stages of the scientific publication process, including manuscript preparation, submission, peer review, revision, and response to reviewer feedback.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or a medical degree

Demonstrated expertise in sensitive protein detection methodologies.
Experience developing and implementing assays capable of distinguishing unphosphorylated proteins from phospho-proteins in real time.
Proficiency in live-cell assays, advanced fluorescence microscopy, and the use of diverse fluorescent markers.
Ability to interpret, present, and clearly communicate research findings at internal scientific meetings and external national or international scientific conferences.

This position offers a strong opportunity for independent scientific growth within a highly collaborative, translational research environment focused on advancing therapeutic strategies for HCC.

POSITION INFORMATION
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.