Postdoctoral Fellow - Wang lab

At Houston Methodist, the Postdoctoral Fellow position is responsible for performing basic research duties under the supervision/direction of a Physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI). This position may work in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission.

Additional Information: We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our lab in the Immunobiology and Transplant Research department at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. Our research focuses on the molecular regulation of immune responses, particularly the development and maintenance of memory T cells and memory B cells. We employ molecular biology, single-cell transcriptomics, and genetic approaches to investigate how autophagy and novel transcriptional regulators control immune memory in infection and cancer.
This position provides an exciting opportunity to study the molecular mechanisms underlying immune memory using state-of-the-art technologies in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. The fellowship is designed to provide strong training and mentorship that will support the transition to independent funding and future academic positions.

Selected publications from our laboratory include:
Nature Medicine (2014, 20:503–510)
Nature (2008, 454:232–235)
Nature Communications (2020, 11:4051)
Journal of Infection (2026, 92:106733)

FLSA STATUS
Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 – Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 – None Postdoctoral Fellow 1 – One year of Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 2 – Two years’ Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 3 – Three years’ Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 4 – Four years’ Postdoc experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI) in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator’s (PI) laboratory.
• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in development of such skills.
• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops research methods and performs research activities.
• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in pertinent research activities and evidenced-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 – Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 – None Postdoctoral Fellow 1 – One year of Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 2 – Two years’ Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 3 – Three years’ Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 4 – Four years’ Postdoc experience