Postdoctoral Fellow - Breast Surgical Oncology - Research

UT MD Anderson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 64,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is offering a full-time postdoctoral fellowship focused on developing and applying causal methods for longitudinal strategies in breast cancer care.

Under the PI’s guidance, you will analyze EHR and registry data, craft causal questions, and contribute to grant writing and dissemination at national and international venues.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field.
• Strong statistical and computing background.
• Strong programming skill in R (preferred) or SAS is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop causal questions relevant to decision-making in breast oncology using counterfactual theory.
• Explain assumptions for identifying causal effects with DAGs and single world intervention graphs.
• Implement and develop causal inference estimation strategies.
• Engage with target trial emulation, causal roadmap, and separable effects.
• Analyze large-scale observational EHR data and cancer registry data, plus local data.
• Study existing questions or generate new research questions independently.
• Prepare materials for grant submissions.
• Communicate findings at scientific meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts and presentations for conferences.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Programming in R

SAS

Causal inference

Education

PhD in Epidemiology or Biostatistics

Tools

R

SAS

Job description

The postdoctoral fellow will focus on development and application of methods for estimating the causal effects of longitudinal strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of patients with breast cancer.

Under the general guidance of the Principal Investigator, the postdoctoral fellow will:

• Develop causal questions relevant to decision-making in breast oncology using counterfactual theory.
• Understand and communicate assumptions necessary for identification of causal effects of longitudinal treatment strategies, using tools including causal directed acyclic graphs and single world intervention graphs.
• Implement existing causal inference estimation strategies and develop new ones as necessary for considering novel causal effects.
• Engage with current causal inference frameworks (e.g., target trial emulation framework, causal roadmap, separable effects).
• Analyze large-scale observational electronic health record data (e.g., MarketScan, IQVIA, All of Us, Our Future Health), cancer registry data (e.g., SEER, NCDB), and local electronic health record and departmental data, and perform secondary analysis of randomized clinical trial data.
• Study existing breast oncology research questions and/or develop research questions independently.
• Prepare materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
• Communicate findings with other scientists at scientific meetings.
• Analyze data and prepare manuscripts and presentations at local, national, and international conferences.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• The postdoctoral fellow will complete applied research projects, prepare and submit scholarly articles, attend scientific networking workshops/conferences, and participate in writing grants for extramural funding with the assistance of a faculty mentoring team.

• The fellow will be a part of the UT MD Anderson postdoctoral association (PDA) to support, promote and enhance the postdoctoral experience by providing first class training, programs, and events for professional growth. Foster a good network of peers, mentors, and sponsors for a successful career.
• Journal clubs for objective and effective scientific communication. Seminars, workshops, and training programs conducted at division, department levels for enhancing cancer research experience.
• Work closely with clinician researchers to learn about and engage with emerging topics in clinical oncology.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and other researchers interested in causal inference across the institution.

Eligibility Requirements

• Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, or a related field.
• Strong statistical and computing background.
• Strong programming skill in R (preferred) or SAS is required.

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. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition

Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html