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The Johnston Laboratory is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team of microbiologists, synthetic biologists, and engineers dedicated to developing microbial cell therapies (MCTs) for cancer treatment. Our long-term goal is to harness the tumor-colonizing capabilities of specific microbes and engineer them as programmable therapeutic platforms for targeted payload delivery within the tumor microenvironment.
To realize this vision, we are building the genetic toolkits necessary to enable precise and scalable engineering of non-model, tumor-associated microbes. This includes development of transformation protocols, counterselection systems, modular expression cassettes, and immune-modulatory payloads, all within a translational context. We use insights from tumor microbiome profiling to guide engineering efforts and test these strains in vitro and in preclinical models of solid tumors.
We are seeking a well-organized, highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with extensive experience in bacterial genetic engineering, ideally with non-model or fastidious organisms. Candidates should have a strong foundation in molecular cloning, genome editing techniques (e.g., allelic exchange, recombineering, CRISPR-based tools), microbial physiology, and interest in translational microbiology. Experience with microbial transformation, conjugation, electroporation optimization, and synthetic biology design principles will be especially valued.
The successful candidate will work closely with the PI and other postdocs to lead strain development efforts, establish and troubleshoot new genetic tools, and drive MCT platform progress toward translational milestones. This position offers exceptional opportunities for professional growth in synthetic microbiology, cancer immunotherapy, and biotech translation.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Postdoctoral Fellow will develop and apply advanced genetic engineering strategies to render non-model, tumor-colonizing microbes tractable for synthetic manipulation. They will gain hands-on experience in designing, building, and testing novel genetic tools (e.g., modular expression systems, recombination-based genome editing, and transformation protocols) to support the development of microbial cell therapies (MCTs). These engineered systems will be applied and validated in preclinical animal models of cancer to evaluate tumor colonization, payload delivery, and therapeutic efficacy. The fellow will learn to formulate translational hypotheses, design and execute experimental workflows, and troubleshoot complex engineering challenges. They will also receive training in grant writing, mentorship of junior trainees, and collaborative project leadership, preparing them for independent careers in academia or industry at the interface of synthetic microbiology and cancer immunotherapy.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Individuals must hold a PhD in microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, bioengineering, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in bacterial genetic engineering, including cloning, genome editing (e.g., allelic exchange, recombineering, CRISPR tools), and transformation of non-model or fastidious microbes. Experience with protein expression and purification is strongly preferred, particularly for the development and testing of microbial therapeutic payloads. Familiarity with microbial physiology, plasmid design, and antibiotic selection/counterselection systems is essential. Additional experience with in vivo models, synthetic biology tools, or translational applications in cancer is a plus. Strong organizational skills, scientific rigor, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are required.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
The appointment is immediately available. Appointee is expected to work forty hours per week.
This position reports to Dr. Christopher Johnston in Genomic Medicine Department.
Interested applicants should send a Cover Letter specifying past research experience/skills/accomplishments, career motivations, a Curriculum Vitae and the contact information of three (3) Referees to Dr. Christopher Johnston at cdjohnston@mdanderson.org with the subject line entitled "MCT Postdoctoral Fellow - Application - Applicant's Name".
Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
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