Entry Level Oral Cancer Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly motivated and creative postdoctoral fellow to join a collaborative research program in sarcoma biology, co-mentored by Dr. Joseph Ludwig, M.D., and Dr. Danh Truong, Ph.D. The successful candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team dedicated to understanding the fundamental and translational mechanisms that drive high-grade bone and soft tissue sarcomas.
This position is ideally suited for individuals who are excited to tackle fundamental biological questions in rare and understudied cancers, push the boundaries of emerging technologies, and make impactful discoveries that inform new therapeutic strategies. The training environment emphasizes intellectual independence, rigorous mentorship, and career development, preparing fellows for successful careers in academia, industry, or translational research.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this training, the fellow will be able to:
• Elucidate key biological principles underlying sarcoma development, progression, and heterogeneity
• Apply modern single cell approaches to study sarcoma biology in relevant model systems.
• Leverage emerging technologies, like xenium, to generate and analyze complex data from sarcoma samples.
• Integrate diverse datasets to gain insights into sarcoma behavior and therapeutic response.
• Formulate and test research hypotheses related to sarcoma biology and treatment.
• Collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams focused on cancer research including with scientists, clinicians, and industry partners.
• Communicate scientific findings clearly in both written and oral formats.
• Develop skills for independent careers in sarcoma-focused or broader cancer research which includes grant writing, manuscripts, and presentations
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications include a PhD (or equivalent doctoral degree) in cancer biology, molecular biology, bioengineering, computational biology, or a related field, along with a strong interest in sarcoma research and quantitative, technology-driven science. Experience with single-cell or spatial omics, imaging-based methods, or epigenomics is desirable but not required.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Our laboratory pursues an integrated research program spanning fundamental cancer biology to translational discovery, with a central focus on phenotypic plasticity and the epigenetic mechanisms underlying sarcoma initiation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. We are particularly interested in defining how oncogenic chimeric transcription factors, aberrant differentiation programs, and dynamic interactions with the tumor microenvironment shape tumor heterogeneity and disease evolution.
To address these questions, our group leverages cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches, including single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, high-dimensional imaging, and advanced cell engineering strategies, applied across a diverse portfolio of state-of-the-art in vitro, in vivo, and patient-derived model systems. The postdoctoral fellow will have opportunities to integrate multimodal datasets, develop innovative experimental workflows, and collaborate closely with clinicians and scientists across disciplines.
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