Assistant Microbiome Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fully funded, full-time postdoctoral fellow positions are available in the Department of Epidemiology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.
We are seeking highly talented and motivated postdoctoral fellows with a strong background in epidemiology, computational biology, bioinformatics, or microbiology and a research interest in cancer prevention and management. The position will focus on conducting microbiome research (shotgun metagenomics and 16S rRNA), with particular emphasis on the interplay between diet (i.e., precision nutrition), the gut microbiome, and cancer. Fellows will also gain experience in computational methods and nutritional/cancer epidemiology.
The ideal applicant will be prepared to lead one or more projects under the direct guidance of the principal investigator (PI), Dr. Hanseul Kim, with the goal of producing first-author publications. Responsibilities include preparing microbiome datasets, conducting bioinformatics analyses, interpreting data, and developing presentations of results for publications and scientific conferences.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Implement and apply quantitative methods for analyzing epidemiologic and multi-omic data
• Intellectually lead and develop research findings into peer-reviewed manuscripts
• Present and communicate results to group members, collaborators, and other local, national, and international scientific audiences
• Assist with other research-related tasks as needed
• Once well integrated, postdoctoral scholars are strongly encouraged to propose and develop independent research topics
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
• Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in epidemiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computational biology, public health, microbiology, or related fields, or M.D. with significant (>2 years) prior research experience. Prior investigative work in the human microbiome research is strongly preferred
• Programming skills (R, SAS, or Python) are required, preferably in a cluster computing environment
• Early and promising track record of original investigative work (e.g., prior publications and conference presentations)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to work well in a team and to manage multiple research projects simultaneously
Candidate must be self-motivated, independent, and comfortable seeking and incorporating feedback from a large, multi-disciplinary team of colleagues.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Prospective start date is flexible (e.g., immediate vs. summer 2026).
In addition to submitting the application, please email the following materials to PI Hanseul Kim (hkim14@mdanderson.org):
• CV/resume
• A statement (no more than 3 pages) with a description of background, interest in the position, relevant coursework or coding experience, prior research or data analysis experience, and career or academic goals
• Names and email addresses of 3 references
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.
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.
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