Job Information
MD Anderson Cancer Center Postdoctoral Fellow - Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy (Casellas Lab) in Houston, Texas
A Postdoctoral position is available in the Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States. This position reports to Dr. Rafael Casellas in the Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy. The lab's major focus is to develop immunotherapies using single-chain antibodies (known as nanobodies). Antibody-based immunotherapies are among the most promising treatments against human malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and T cell engagers efficiently combine tumor antigen recognition by antibody variable domains (heavy and light chains) with T cell cytotoxicity to specifically destroy cancer cells. However, a significant fraction of tumors invariably relapses over time due to antigen loss, mutation, or low cell surface density. Targeting multiple antigens simultaneously can in principle solve this problem. Still, that approach often fails with single chain variable fragments (scFvs) because of cross-pairing and aggregation of CARs or the difficulty in assembling large antibody constructs. Our laboratory seeks to overcome these and related challenges by implementing through the use of Nanobodies. By immunizing camelids (the source of natural nanobodies) and creating large human nanobody phage libraries we have developed a high-throughput program to rapidly isolate highly specific antibodies against tumor antigens. Our current projects include the production of multimeric CARs against cell surface as well as intracellular (peptide-HLA) targets in hematopoietic and solid tumors.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Postdoctoral Fellow will focus on gaining a mechanistic understanding of immunotherapy and developing expertise in isolating and characterizing human and camelid Nanobodies for the generation of CAR-T cell receptors targeting hematopoietic and solid tumors. They will perform hands-on experiments, engage in study design, and analyze data using advanced techniques. The fellow will attend lab meetings, journal clubs, and research seminars to enhance their critical thinking, experimental planning, and collaboration skills. Additionally, they will develop scientific communication proficiency through manuscript preparation and presentations, ultimately contributing to the advancement of cancer immunotherapy research.
The main goals of this position will be to:
Isolate Nanobodies against specific cancer antigens.
Characterize Nanobody affinity, stability, and capacity to induce cytotoxicity in cell culture.
Identify from a library of 72 CAR constructs the most compatible CAR for the selected Nanobodies.
Test leading NanoCAR T cells in vivo.
Study the safety of selected NanoCAR T cells in vitro and in vivo.
Dr. Casellas is deeply committed to the professional fulfillment and career advancement of all trainees and will operate with the primary goal of fostering career growth and development. Mentorship will be mutually planned and an individually tailored approach for each member of the team and will also involve an extended committee of senior faculty members across multiple disciplinary fields to ensure full success. Together, we will work to create a successful training-and ultimately transition-plan in accordance with one's goals.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Individuals with a PhD degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, or related fields. Candidate should have strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects. Proven track record of publications, and excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 (https://trainees.mdanderson.org/apply/mdaPostdoctoralFellowStipendFY24.pdf) . depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. MD Anderson trainee compensation also includes:
Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on the first day for trainees who work 30 or more hours per week
Group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage
Paid education, vacation, and sick leave
Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
Employer-paid life, AD&D, and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts
Fertility benefits
State of Texas longevity pay
Extensive wellness, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups