Postdoctoral Fellow - Translational Molecular Path

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental benefits

Paid time off

Tuition benefits

Educational opportunities

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow in cancer biology and immunology. The position emphasizes developing antibody-based strategies for pancreatic cancer research, focusing on both in vitro and in vivo methodologies.

Successful candidates will manage preclinical studies, conduct multi-omics analyses, and gain experience in translational research, preparing them for a career as an independent investigator.

Qualifications

• Expertise in cancer biology and immunology, especially in antibody design.
• Recent Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and evaluate innovative antibody therapeutics using mouse models.
• Conduct functional assays including genetic manipulation and flow cytometry.
• Perform multi-omics analyses and cross-reference datasets.

Skills

Antibody engineering

Cancer biology

Immunology

Flow cytometry (FACS)

CRISPR gene editing

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate

Job description

Overview

The laboratory of Dr. Wantong Yao in the department of Translational Molecular Pathology seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with expertise in cancer biology and immunology, with a particular preference for candidates experienced in antibody engineering or design. The research program focuses on novel immunotherapy and antibody‑based strategies in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and other gastrointestinal malignancies, emphasizing tumor immune profiling, microenvironment dynamics, and the evaluation of next‑generation therapeutic combinations. By integrating patient‑derived samples with advanced histopathology and multi‑omics architectures, the program aims to mentor independent scientists into future leaders in translational oncology.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will develop and evaluate innovative antibody therapeutics using subcutaneous and orthotopic mouse models of PDAC and related malignancies. The fellow will conduct hypothesis‑driven functional assays, including genetic manipulation (knockout/overexpression), flow cytometry (FACS), and comprehensive efficacy assessments. In parallel, the fellow will perform integrative multi‑omics analyses—including scRNA‑seq, ChIP‑seq, proteomics, and spatial transcriptomics—and cross‑reference these datasets with clinicopathological annotations to elucidate underlying mechanisms and therapeutic vulnerabilities. Operating within a highly collaborative ecosystem, the fellow will seamlessly bridge benchmarking in‑vitro/in‑vivo platform insights with clinical translation.

All duties and responsibilities must be executed in strict compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Learning Objectives

The postdoctoral fellow will receive comprehensive training in translational pancreatic cancer research, mastering the development of antibody‑based immunotherapies in advanced mouse models and deep‑dive tumor microenvironment studies. The fellow will manage diverse preclinical cohorts and multi‑omics datasets, integrating these into hypothesis‑driven projects investigating tumor‑immune interactions.

Training will deliver extensive expertise in robust wet‑lab methodologies—including CRISPR gene editing, genetic manipulation, and flow cytometry (FACS)—alongside rigorous in‑vitro and in‑vivo efficacy evaluations. The fellow will also learn to analyze histopathological specimens from both patient cohorts and mouse models, fostering the seamless integration of molecular landscapes with pathological findings.

Additionally, the fellow will collaborate closely with clinicians and multidisciplinary teams to gain experience in clinical data translation. Professional development will heavily emphasize critical communication skills, including high‑impact manuscript writing and grant preparation. By the end of the term, the fellow is expected to achieve scientific independence, establish a strong publication record, and articulate a clear vision for an independent career in cancer research.

Eligibility Requirements

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 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.

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.

Contact Information

Translational Molecular Pathology Department web site: https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/departments-divisions/translational-molecular-pathology.html

Yao Laboratory Website: https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/labs/yao-laboratory.html