Postdoctoral Fellow - Immunology (Schenkel Lab)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Tuition benefits

Job summary

A prominent cancer research institute in Houston is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow in Immunology. The position will focus on understanding T cell dynamics in cancer and inflammation, providing extensive mentorship and opportunities for professional development. Candidates should hold a recent Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate, aiming for a career in academic research. This role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• Recent Ph.D. (within three years) or equivalent doctorate in an appropriate field.
• Seeking temporary appointment under faculty mentor supervision.
• Full-time laboratory-based research preparation for independent academic career.

Responsibilities

• Understand the role of tissue and tumor microenvironment in T cell dysfunction.
• Determine how time shapes CD8 T cell programs in cancer.
• Define effects of inflammation on T cell migration.

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate

Job description

Overview

Postdoctoral Fellow - Immunology (Schenkel Lab) at MD Anderson Cancer Center. A fellow postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Jason M. Schenkel in the Department of Immunology. The Schenkel lab studies the immune response to cancer and inflammation, focusing on the tissue microenvironment, tumor microenvironment, and inflammatory cues in shaping CD8+ T cell differentiation and migration, how this response changes over time, and how metastatic disease alters immune cell composition locally and systemically. Most work will use pre-clinical mouse models; future work may extend findings to primary human samples. Candidates will have the opportunity to work on sophisticated cancer models in a positive environment with mentoring by Dr. Schenkel.

Responsibilities

• To understand the role of the tissue and tumor microenvironment in driving T cell and leukocyte dysfunction in tumors.
• To determine the role of time in shaping CD8 T cell transcriptional and epigenetic programs in cancer.
• Define how inflammation and neuronal inputs affect T cell migration in the context of inflammatory insults.
• Postdoctoral fellows will receive extensive one-on-one mentorship with Dr. Schenkel to facilitate career goals, foster independence, and help develop writing and presentation skills.

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

Qualifications

An individual holding a recent (within three years) Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in an appropriate field who is seeking a temporary appointment under the supervision of a faculty mentor, involving full-time laboratory-based research or scholarship in preparation for an academic or research career as an independent investigator. This appointment is not part of a clinical training program; individuals holding an M.D. degree or equivalent are not permitted to engage in patient care activity.

Position Information

MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000, depending on 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by law. For more information, see the MD Anderson policy: http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Faculty Mentor

Jason Schenkel, PhD