Postdoctoral Fellow - T cell and B cell biology in cancer

The Keith Syson Chan laboratory https://www.research4cure.org/ has assembled a highly supportive research environment for trainees, and is seeking a self-motivated, career goal-driven postdoc (at all levels) with enthusiasm to identify novel immune checkpoints and/or investigate how adaptive immune response can be leveraged for therapies [Nature 517: 209–213 (2015); Nature Communications 10: 2131 (2019); Nature Communications 11: 6299 (2020); Nature Communications 13: 1487 (2022); J Natl Cancer Inst. 2022 114(10):1380-1391;  Nature Reviews Urology 19: 515–533 (2022)]. We have established tumor models representing hot and cold tumors with scRNAseq profiling and corresponding differential response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. These data and models will be used as the foundation for project mining and experimental investigations. Our lab also has in-lab flow cytometry analyzer and sorter, spatial biology platforms (e.g., 10X Xenium, 10X CytAssist, Akoya PhenoCycler etc), proteomics profiling capacity, and ample fundings to integrate omics data with functional assays for research investigations. Candidates are highly welcome to bring their own ideas, those with at least one first author publication and expertise in T cell or B cell biology, or one of following research topics are highly encouraged to apply:

• T/B cell development, T/B cell receptor repertoire sequencing
• Cancer immunology and the immune TME
• Immunometabolism
• Mechanisms of immune exclusion and checkpoint resistance
• Secondary (e.g., lymph node) and tertiary lymphoid structure biology
• Therapeutic antibody evaluation

Postdoc candidates receive equal benefits as full-time Methodist employees.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the physician in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator's (PI) laboratory.

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.

• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in development of such skills.

• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops research methods and performs research activities.

• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in pertinent research activities and evidenced-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 - Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 - None
  Postdoctoral Fellow 1 - One year of Postdoc experience
  Postdoctoral Fellow 2 - Two years' Postdoc experience
  Postdoctoral Fellow 3 - Three years' Postdoc experience
  Postdoctoral Fellow 4 - Four years' Postdoc experience