A Postdoctoral researcher position is available immediately for outstanding and self-motivated individuals with strong computational skills in tumor genomics and/or large-scale sequencing data to join the Colbert Lab. The researcher will become a key member of a vibrant and collaborative patient-oriented translational research program. This project is focused on the role of DNA damage repair and response markers in predicting radiation response in HPV-related cancers, primarily cervical cancer. Our goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets for radiation sensitivity to improve radiation response or predict tumors that are radiosensitive to reduce long-term morbidity. This project involves state-of-the-art sequencing technology, some of which do not yet have established analysis approaches. The candidate should have significant bioinformatics or computational experience and be comfortable with R and Python. 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 very strong computational/ biostatistical collaborators, and a strong mentoring team with computational expertise and 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 protocols and analyses, 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 Background/ Skills:

PhD in Bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, systems biology, or related fields.

Strong communication and scientific writing skills.

Experience with mentorship and teaching.

Preferred Background/ Skills:

Experience with tumor and cancer genomics, including whole exome, whole genome, epigenetics, and RNA sequencing data.

Experience with single-cell RNA sequencing data and/or spatial profiling data.

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