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The Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join the TRACTION (Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology) team under the direction of Dr. Hussein Tawbi and Dr. David Peng.
This position sits at the intersection of laboratory discovery and clinical application. The Fellow will drive translational research projects aimed at identifying mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance, validating novel targets, and characterizing patient-derived samples.
This role is responsible for designing, performing, and optimizing complex translational assays and experiments to advance core oncology research priorities, while analyzing and synthesizing large-scale preclinical and clinical trial correlative data. The individual will lead the drafting, submission, peer review, and revision of high-impact research manuscripts and prepare detailed research summaries, progress reports, and literature reviews. Working closely within the cross-functional TRACTION engine, they will serve as a liaison among laboratory scientists, computational biologists, and clinical research teams to achieve project milestones. Responsibilities also include generating preliminary data, figures, and technical content to support grant applications (NIH/NCI, foundation awards, industry collaborations) and institutional protocols. The incumbent will present scientific findings at internal team meetings, departmental seminars, and national and international oncology conferences. Additionally, they will provide informal guidance and protocol training to junior laboratory personnel, graduate students, and technicians while maintaining meticulous laboratory records and ensuring compliance with safety requirements.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Research Execution & Data Synthesis
-Analyze and synthesize complex oncology datasets derived from ongoing translational studies, clinical trials, or preclinical models to elucidate mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance.
-Execute and optimize translational assays, ensuring rigorous quality control, reproducibility, and alignment with project milestones.
-Integrate multi-omic, biomarker, or correlative data to identify novel therapeutic targets or refine patient stratification strategies.
Scientific Dissemination & Publication
-Lead the drafting, revision, and submission of peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts reporting primary findings for publication in high-impact oncology journals.
-Present research progress and translational insights at departmental seminars, institutional symposia, and national or international oncology conferences.
-Contribute data visualization and literature synthesis to support research grant proposals (e.g., NIH/NCI, DoD, foundation awards) and progress reports.
TRACTION Team Integration & Collaborative Research
-Collaborate across cross-functional teams within the TRACTION framework, interfacing between laboratory scientists, computational biologists, and clinical investigators.
-Align individual research tasks with project deliverables under the mentorship of Dr. Hussein Tawbi and Dr. David Peng, adapting scientific direction based on emerging translational findings.
-Participate actively in scientific discussions, joint lab meetings, and strategic planning sessions to advance team-driven therapeutic innovation.
-Professional Development & Mentorship
-Develop independent grant-writing skills by preparing fellowship applications or career development proposals.
-Provide guidance and informal mentorship to graduate students, rotating fellows, or junior technical staff on analytical pipelines and experimental protocols.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Pharmacology, or a closely related biological science field.
Demonstrated track record of scientific productivity supported by first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Preferred Technical & Professional Skills:
Prior experience in translational oncology, tumor immunology, or biomarker discovery.
Familiarity with analyzing multi-omic datasets, tissue-based assays, or cell culture/preclinical models.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple experimental timelines within a fast-paced, team-based environment.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills for effective scientific synthesis and interdisciplinary collaboration.
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