Postdoctoral Fellow - Thoracic Head & Neck Medical Oncology

Multiple postdoctoral positions are available in the laboratory of Eric Gardner, PharmD, PhD. The Gardner Lab is located within the Department of Thoracic Head/Neck Medical Oncology and the James P. Allison Institute, with a joint appointment in the Department of Genetics at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Postdoctoral Fellows study mechanisms of cancer development and focus on four inter-related aspects of lung cancer tumorigenesis: 1) how do distinct types of airway damage influence lineage specific barriers to oncogenic transformation, 2) what are the secretory features of distinct cells of origin of cancer and how might they influence the immune microenvironment within a given niche, 3) how do certain arms of the innate immune system respond to early events following transformation, and 4) why are lung cancers usually observed in older adults.

Using a combination of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), organoid or organotypic cultures, high-resolution imaging and single cell approaches, we aim to better understand how cancer occurs, what the earliest stages of progression "look like," and how certain layers of the innate and adaptive immune system attempt to control cancer initiation, progression and recurrence. We emphasize mechanistic interrogation of complex cancer phenomena including lineage plasticity, therapeutic resistance and chromosomal instability. Towards these ends, we collaborate broadly with many groups throughout the United States who each bring their specific skills and training histories to unite in common goals to understand, detect and treat cancer with curative intent.

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

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Perform original, self-directed research in line with the laboratory's core mission to end cancer.
• Engage in collaborative efforts with others at MD Anderson and abroad in environments that are safe, supportive, and inclusive to maximize training and career development.
• Document experiments and participate in weekly data presentation meetings and engage in monthly multi-PI journal club discussions.
• Present work at internal research in progress sessions, external scientific meetings and write manuscripts when a given project is at an advanced stage.
• Actively attempt to obtain independent funding, such as a postdoctoral fellowship.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Ideal candidates have recently earned a PhD and/or MD with a focus on cancer biology, physiology, immunology, proteomics, quantitative biology and/or pharmacology with less than 2 years of post-doctoral experience at the time of application. Important points of emphasis are placed on evidence for a team mentality when engaging in collaborative efforts, a self-driven, independent thinker, and the desire to advance one's career in biomedical research by working on hard problems.

Expectations for Prospective Candidates:

• A collaborative, high-energy environment at a top cancer center and thoracic oncology group
• Access to cutting-edge technologies, model systems and datasets
• Close mentorship from a junior faculty member invested in training the next generation of cancer biologists and access to / feedback from Dr. Gardner's network of senior mentorship
• Opportunities for first-author publications, grant development, and career advancement
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent communication skills and record keeping
• Experience with genetically engineered mouse models is preferred, but not required
• Fluency in modern techniques used in the fields of molecular biology, flow cytometry, mammalian tissue/organoid culture, microscopy/imaging, data analysis and visualization
• Enthusiasm to learn new skills and techniques, and then teach others with similar enthusiasm
• Dedication to keeping up with the literature in a given field of expertise or focus
• A prior publication record with an interest in furthering one's impact and breadth of work

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply, including a cover letter, CV or NIH Biosketch, and 3 letters of reference with contact information to EEGardner@mdanderson.org.

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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

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