Postdoctoral Fellow - Cancer Systems Imaging

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

UT MD Anderson in Houston is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to lead projects in the Millward laboratory, focusing on imaging probes and therapeutics. Ideal candidates should hold a Ph.D. in relevant fields and possess strong skills in directed evolution and chemical biology.

This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 based on experience, along with excellent benefits including paid time off and educational opportunities.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in relevant disciplines from an accredited institution.
• Self-motivated and effective in teamwork.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects in directed evolution and imaging probes.
• Manage research activities across multiple funding sources.
• Create innovative solutions for research initiatives.

Skills

Directed evolution

Chemical biology

Peptide synthesis

Biophysical analysis

Laboratory collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or related disciplines

Job description

The department of Cancer Systems Imaging (CSI) is one of the largest new programs at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center within the Division of Diagnostic Imaging. The goal of this department and its research program is to develop new technologies to visualize and assess the cellular, biochemical, and genetic processes that contribute to the progression and regression of cancer and to translate these discoveries into the clinic.

The successful applicant will lead and oversee projects in the Millward laboratory that primarily entails the directed evolution and characterization of novel imaging probes and therapeutics. As such, the primary purpose of this position is to provide experimental leadership and support for research projects at the scientific interface between chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, animal models, and molecular imaging. The applicant will apply technical expertise and scientific background and manage and oversee the research activities of philanthropic, federal and state, and industry sponsored awards in the space of directed evolution, peptide synthesis, ligand design, biophysical validation, and functional cell-based assays. He/She will create innovative solutions involving technology, methodology, tools, and solution components for research initiatives in the discovery and translational chemistry research environment. He/She will work with laboratory personnel to enhance multi‑disciplinary departmental collaborations. The position will maintain professional and cooperative relationships with business partners, administrators, research scientists/investigators, and other academic professionals to ensure efficient communication, follow‑trough, and coordination of scientific short/long range goals.

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

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The trainee will gain a strong intellectual foundation in directed evolution and chemical biology. The candidate will be trained in mRNA Display, peptide synthesis, protein expression and purification, and biophysical analysis of target‑ligand interactions. The trainee will master the process of ligand design from library construction to hit validation. Additional training in molecular imaging and mouse models will also be obtained during the postdoctoral fellowship.

Eligibility Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, molecular/cellular biology or related disciplines from an accredited institution of higher learning. The ideal candidate should be self‑motivated, working as a team, and have excellent communication skills.

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