Postdoctoral Fellow

Houston Methodist; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Houston Methodist invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Immunobiology and Transplant Research department. The role involves performing basic research under supervision, using cutting-edge techniques in a collaborative setting to advance cardiovascular immunology and innate immunity studies.

Researchers will work closely with a physician/PI, develop independent projects, publish findings, and pursue fellowship and career development opportunities within a multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• MD or terminal degree from an accredited medical school or related field.
• Postdoctoral Fellow levels 0–4 imply increasing research experience in a biomedical setting.
• Ability to perform and interpret basic research techniques and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Assist physician/PI in maintaining and guiding the PI's laboratory operations.
• Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.
• Collaborate with team members; report data comprehensively and transparently.
• Develop and pursue independent research ideas with mentor support.

Skills

Biomedical research knowledge

English communication

Team collaboration

Experimental techniques

Education

MD or terminal degree

Tools

Single-cell RNA sequencing

Spatial transcriptomics

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Postdoctoral Fellow position is responsible for performing basic research duties under the supervision/direction of a Physician and/or Principal Investigator. This position may work in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join our lab in the Immunobiology and Transplant Research department at the Houston Methodist Research Institute. Our research focuses on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of innate immune regulation and developing therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular, infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases, with particular emphasis on viral myocarditis, autoimmune myocarditis, and sepsis.

Our laboratory integrates molecular and cellular biology, immunology, genetics, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, and advanced disease models to investigate the mechanisms underlying immune-mediated tissue injury and disease progression. A major goal of our research is to identify novel immune regulators and signaling pathways that can be therapeutically targeted to prevent or treat myocarditis, autoimmune diseases, sepsis, and related inflammatory disorders.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to investigate fundamental and translational questions in cardiovascular immunology and innate immunity using state-of-the-art technologies in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment. The successful candidate will receive strong scientific mentorship and career development support, including opportunities to develop independent research projects, publish high-impact studies, present findings at national and international conferences, and pursue competitive fellowship and career-development funding. The fellowship is designed to facilitate the candidate’s transition toward independent research funding and future academic or research leadership positions.

Selected publications from our laboratory include:

• Nature Immunology (2016; PMID: 27695001)
• Nature Communications (2017; PMID: 29038422)
• Nature Communications (2021; PMID: 33976210)
• Nature Communications (2024; PMID: 38664417)
• Journal of Biomedical Science (2022; PMID: 35909127)
• Experimental & Molecular Medicine (2026; in press)

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 – Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 – NonePostdoctoral Fellow 1 – One year of Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 2 – Two years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 3 – Three years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 4 – Four years’ Postdoc experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the physician in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator’s (PI) laboratory.
• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in development of such skills.
• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops research methods and performs research activities.
• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in pertinent research activities and evidence-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL

Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL

Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 – Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 – NonePostdoctoral Fellow 1 – One year of Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 2 – Two years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 3 – Three years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 4 – Four years’ Postdoc experience