Postdoctoral Fellow - Genomic Medicine

UT MD Anderson; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research institution in Houston seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to drive drug discovery initiatives. The role involves developing and optimizing biochemical and biophysical assays for novel targets, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and leveraging data science to enhance research outcomes. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant life sciences field and possess strong assay development skills. This position offers mentorship from experienced scientists and presents opportunities for innovative research in drug discovery.

Qualifications

• Strong background in assay development and experimental drug discovery.
• Demonstrated experience in biochemical and biophysical assays development.
• Experience with cell-based assays preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and deploy biochemical and biophysical assays.
• Establish assays for compound screening and mechanism-of-action studies.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary project teams.

Skills

Assay development

Experimental drug discovery

Mammalian cell culture

Data analysis

Excellent communication skills

Education

PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, chemical biology, pharmacology, or related discipline

Tools

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR)

TR-FRET

Fluorescence Polarization

Mass-spectrometry-based methodologies

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow - Chemical Biology

We seek a highly motivated and technically skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to develop, optimize, and deploy biochemical, biophysical, and cell‑based assays to support target‑based drug discovery programs. This position focuses on establishing robust, reproducible assays suitable for compound screening and mechanism‑of‑action studies across multiple novel target proteins and classes.

The primary research focus is to design, implement, and optimize biochemical, biophysical, and cellular assays incorporating diverse assay modalities. The goal is to develop rapid readouts on novel targets to inform the discovery of drugs for hard‑to‑treat cancers, as informed by data science analytics, and to contribute to innovative laboratory automation pipelines.

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

Learning Objectives

Gain hands‑on experience at the bleeding‑edge interface between drug discovery, chemical biology, and data science. Develop skills in the development, optimization, and validation of biochemical, biophysical, and cell‑based assays in a drug‑discovery setting with iterative input from novel AI tools. Build expertise in automated liquid handling and high‑throughput or medium‑throughput screening workflows, including data analysis, quality control, and interpretation. Learn to iteratively refine assays based on screening outcomes, biological insight, and computational feedback, and to communicate results to multidisciplinary teams and the broader scientific community through presentations and publications.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals with a PhD in biophysics, biochemistry, chemical biology, pharmacology, cell biology, or a related life‑science discipline are encouraged to apply. A strong background in assay development and experimental drug discovery is required, with demonstrated experience in developing biochemical and biophysical assays for compound screening. Experience with cell‑based assays and mammalian cell culture is strongly preferred. Familiarity with techniques such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), TR‑FRET, Fluorescence Polarization, enzymatic assays, and mass‑spectrometry‑based assay methodologies is desirable. Successful candidates will demonstrate a collaborative attitude and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary project teams. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential to share this work with the broader drug‑discovery community through published articles and presentations.

Additional Application Information

The appointment is immediately available. The appointee is expected to work forty hours per week.

This position reports to Dr. Bissan Al‑Lazikani in Genomic Medicine with direct support and mentorship from Dr. Rebecca Soares in the Institute for Applied Cancer Sciences.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter specifying past research experience, skills, and accomplishments; a curriculum vitae; and the contact information for three (3) references to Dr. Rebecca Soares at [e-mail] with the subject line Postdoctoral Fellow - Application - Applicant Name.

Position Information

Off‑site 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 may therefore 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