Easter Seals Jobs

The Dr. Myers' Lab, in the Department of Head & Neck Surgery at MDACC, is seeking to recruit passionate and driven postdoctoral fellows interested in working in Head & Neck cancer biology study.

A major goal of the lab is to increase understanding of the genomic, epigenetic, and microbiomic landscapes of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, SCCOC.

Successful applicants will be expected to achieve two specific aims. Aim one is a comprehensive clinical study in to coordinately evaluate: 1. Risk factor exposure, 2. Dental health, 3. Microbiome composition, 4. Tumor and normal genomic characterization including single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to fully characterize the relationships of epithelial tumor cells to inflammatory and immune cells, bacteria, stromal cells, and neurons.

Aim two is to conduct parallel studies of oral cancer pathogenesis and progression in models that can then be used to pre-clinically develop more effective and less toxic treatments using our genomically engineered mouse (GEM) models. Through a deeper understanding of the coordinated interplay of diverse chemical, physical, and microbiologic drivers of cancer development and progression, we anticipate that we will be able to apply available treatments more successfully to patients with OCSCC to positively impact the survival of patients afflicted with this deadly tumor type.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

-Clinical data extraction from our Electronic Medical Record and recording data in a database.

-Working with a biostatistician to analyze the clinical data.

-Acquire oral microbiome specimens and send them to the core lab for microbiome analysis.

-Analyze microbiome data with a bio-informatician.

-Acquire oral biopsies and submit them to the collaborator's laboratory for spatial transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analyses.

-Working with genetically engineered mouse models of oral cancer using chemical carcinogens, chronic mechanical irritation, and introduction of pathogenic bacteria.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

-Strong background in cell and molecular biology.

-Experience with human and mammalian cell culture.

-Mice work experience.

-Big data statistical analysis and bioinformatic experience.

-Strong work ethic and self-motivation.

-Excellent English communication skills and open to collaborations both inside and outside of MDACC.

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. MD Anderson trainee compensation also includes:

-Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on the first day for trainees who work 30 or more hours per week

-Group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage

-Paid education, vacation, and sick leave

-Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs

-Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans

-Employer-paid life, AD&D, and an illness-related reduced salary pay program

-Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts

-Fertility benefits

-State of Texas longevity pay

-Extensive wellness, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups

FACULTY MENTOR

Jeffrey Myers, MD