Postdoctoral Fellow - Translational Molecular Path

The laboratory of Dr. Wantong Yao in the department of Translational Molecular Pathology seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with expertise in cancer biology and immunology, with a particular preference for candidates experienced in antibody engineering or design. The research program focuses on novel immunotherapy and antibody-based strategies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other gastrointestinal malignancies, emphasizing tumor immune profiling, microenvironment dynamics, and the evaluation of next-generation therapeutic combinations. By integrating patient-derived samples with advanced histopathology and multi-omics architectures, the program aims to mentor independent scientists into future leaders in translational oncology.

The successful candidate will develop and evaluate innovative antibody therapeutics using subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models of PDAC and related malignancies. The fellow will conduct hypothesis-driven functional assays, including genetic manipulation (knockout/overexpression), flow cytometry (FACS), and comprehensive efficacy assessments. In parallel, the fellow will perform integrative multi-omics analyses-encompassing scRNA-seq, ChIP-seq, proteomics, and spatial transcriptomics-and cross-reference these datasets with clinicopathological annotations to elucidate underlying mechanisms and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Operating within a highly collaborative ecosystem, the fellow will seamlessly bridge benchmarking in vitro/in vivo platform insights with clinical translation.

All duties and responsibilities must be executed in strict compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The postdoctoral fellow will receive comprehensive training in translational pancreatic cancer research, mastering the development of antibody-based immunotherapies in advanced mouse models and deep-dive tumor microenvironment studies. The fellow will manage diverse preclinical cohorts and multi-omics datasets, integrating these into hypothesis-driven projects investigating tumor-immune interactions.

Training will deliver extensive expertise in robust wet-lab methodologies-including CRISPR gene editing, genetic manipulation, and flow cytometry (FACS)-alongside rigorous in vitro and in vivo efficacy evaluations. The fellow will also learn to analyze histopathological specimens from both patient cohorts and mouse models, fostering the seamless integration of molecular landscapes with pathological findings.

Additionally, the fellow will collaborate closely with clinicians and multidisciplinary teams to gain experience in clinical data translation. Professional development will heavily emphasize critical communication skills, including high-impact manuscript writing and grant preparation. By the end of the term, the fellow is expected to achieve scientific independence, establish a strong publication record, and articulate a clear vision for an independent career in cancer research.

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 web site:

Yao Laboratory 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.