A Postdoctoral researcher position is available immediately for outstanding and self-motivated individuals with strong laboratory skills in microbiology and/or metabolism to join the Colbert Lab. The researcher will become a key member of a vibrant and collaborative patient-oriented translational research program studying the role of the human microbiome in HPV-related cancers. This project is focused on the role of the tumor microbiome in altering tumor metabolism, the tumor microenvironment, and the immune response to cancer therapy. The candidate should have significant experience in microbiology laboratory techniques and/or metabolism, and although previous computational experience including R, Python, and/or QIIME2 is preferred, it is not required. Previous cancer biology experience is not required.

An outstanding research environment, new laboratory, and core facilities are available in the Zayed building, Radiation Oncology/ Experimental Radiation Oncology, and throughout the institution. We have an exceptional laboratory and administrative support team, including a very strong computational/ biostatistical team, and a strong mentoring team with a dedication to career development for all lab members.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The researcher should be able to develop independent scientific goals and projects, devise and troubleshoot laboratory protocols, independently evaluate resulting research data, and revise techniques or approaches to problems. The researcher must also work well in a team environment and take a leadership role in supervising the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel in proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Required:

Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Metabolism, Microbiology, or related field and relevant research experience.

Strong communication and scientific writing skills.

Strong experimental skills in microbial and eukaryotic cell cultures and basic molecular microbiology, including sterile technique, bacterial growth assays, nucleic acid isolation, library prep, and laboratory protocol development/ optimization.

Preferred:

Experience with in vivo animal experiments and comfortable designing and performing in vivo experiments.

Development and testing of model microbial systems in animals.

Experience with bacterial identification via traditional culture methods, RT-PCR, multiplex molecular sequencing, and/or via mass spectrometry techniques including PCR/ ESI-MS or MALDI-TOF MS.

Experience with immune assays including flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry.

Experience with computational analysis of microbial and microbiome 16s and next-generation sequencing data, such as the use of QIIME amplicon analysis software, R software packages such as phyloseq, etc.

POSITION INFORMATION

MD Anderson follows the NIH stipend levels as outlined by the Kirchstein - NRSA (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-23-076.html) . This full-time trainee position will provide a salary between $56,484 to $68,604, dependent upon the years of postgraduate experience.

MD Anderson offers compensated trainees:

• Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on 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

Lauren Colbert