MD Anderson Cancer Center Jobs

A postdoctoral position is available in Dr. Renata Ferrarotto's group in the Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, focusing on the immune and genomics landscape of head and neck cancer, particularly the rarer tumor subtypes. Dr. Ferrarotto's research efforts involve developing models systems, novel treatment regimens, and identifying prognostic and predictive biomarkers, with a special interest in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma. By leveraging the unique samples and clinical data from Dr. Ferrarotto's cutting-edge clinical trials, the appointed postdoctoral fellow will develop and use research methods involving immunology, cancer biology, genomics, in vivo disease models including PDX and humanized mice, and bioinformatics to analyze trial patient samples and develop optimal co-targeting strategies for salivary gland cancers. The postdoctoral fellow will also have the opportunity to be involved in clinical research in head and neck cancers and grant writing under the direction of Dr. Ferrarotto.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

-Perform basic and translational research involving molecular biology (Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry), and in vitro assays (such as drug screening, and flow cytometry).

-Develop pre-clinical models (establish organoids and cell lines) and in vivo experiments using xenografts, including humanized models.

-Involved in the analysis of RNA-seq, WES, and spatial omics.

-Present findings at regular lab meetings, department seminars, and national conferences and submit findings for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

-A recent Ph.D. and/or M.D. degree with strong research abilities and interests.

-A track record of productivity in research, and the talent, energy, passion, commitment and potential to take advantage of the vast resources available at the #1 ranked University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

-Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

-Reference letters.

-Molecular genetics laboratory-based technical skills.

-Strong interest in translational research.

-Expertise in any of the following fields would be considered advantageous but is not essential: patient-derived organoid culture and drug screening, PDX/humanized animal models, biomarkers of response and resistance to cancer therapies (targeted therapies, and immune-based therapies), bioinformatics, and immuno-genomics.

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. 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

FACULTY MENTOR

Renata Ferrarotto, MD