Postdoctoral Fellow - GI Med Oncology - Research

The main goal is to provide our Postdoctoral Fellows with an intellectually stimulating, collaborative, and supportive research environment. Our multi-omics platform (Spatial Transcriptomics, scRNA-seq, bulk RNA-seq, and proteomic dataset) from gastric cancer patients and gastric cancer GEMM model allow for the investigation of tumor microenvironment, immune response, molecular mechanisms, oncogenic signaling pathways, tumor heterogeneity, and drug responses. We aim to train our fellows in multi-omics and high-throughput genetic screening approaches to further advance peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer.

The primary purpose of the Post Doctoral Fellowship is to plan, direct, organize, and participates in scientific research projects in cancer biology of gastro-esophageal cancers.

1. Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and participates as a team member in research projects involving detection and elimination of gastro-esophageal cancers.
2. Applies technical expertise to design, supervise, and carry out research experiments, for desirable results.
3. Processes clinical samples such human blood, tissue, ascites and is able to employ good cryopreservation techniques, for future research.
4. Reports status of team data collection for specific disease categories and multiple patients, via regular progress reports directly to the supervising principal investigator and assigned senior personnel.
5. Has or acquires the skills needed to accomplish assigned research goals, including, but not limited to, extensive techniques in molecular biology (RNA analysis and manipulation, RNA and reagent design, DNA cloning, quantitative RT-PCR, etc.), virology (virus infection, cell cultures, use of bacterial genetics and recombination, etc.), biochemistry (production, purification and characterization of DNA, RNA, proteins or other biomolecules, Flowcytometry, and immunology. Performs mouse handling such as tumor injection from clinical specimen, drug treatment and analyze all data.
6. Performs basic histologic techniques on formalin-fixed tumor specimens, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry.
7. Reviews, evaluates and correlates research data. Prepares drafts of protocols, research grants, manuscripts and grant reports. Writes and prepares publications and reviews analyses and interpretations of data.
8. Ensures that relevant data is collected at designed stages in the research process, is entered into database(s) and reported, as required, to the Institutional Research Board (IRB) and the appropriate national registries.

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

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- ability to search and evaluate clinical and scientific literature
- ability to form and then defend hypotheses based on prior clinical or experimental data
- ability to effectively communicate findings in written and oral form
- ability to write persuasive grant applications
- ability to navigate scientific publication process

As part of their training, our Postdoctoral Fellows will work closely with the PI to gain experience in grant and manuscript writing, as well as manuscript review for journals. They will equip them with the skills required for successful grant applications and the publication of their research. Additionally, our Postdoctoral Fellows will be expected to present their work at group meetings. We also encourage them to present their research at international conferences to expand their network and find potential collaborations and future employment opportunities.

Finally, we encourage our Postdoctoral Fellows to engage in numerous collaborative projects, as scientific research is typically carried out in teams of investigators with complementary expertise and strengths. As such, they will participate in several ongoing collaborations, and we highly encourage them to initiate and formulate new projects and collaborations.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
PhD in one of the natural sciences, immunology or related field or medical degree.

With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

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.