FACULTY MENTOR
Tina Cascone, MD, PhD
A well-funded, dynamic and question-driven young lab at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks to appoint one or more highly motivated postdoctoral fellows with a strong interest in cancer biology, tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy and a desire to work with projects related to lung cancers. The successful appointee(s) will be working under the supervision of Tina Cascone, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor, physician-scientist in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The project and research opportunities for the postdoctoral candidate will focus on investigating T-cell-mediated mechanisms of tumor response and resistance to immune-based therapies in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), using innovative preclinical murine models and clinical samples from cutting-edge trials evaluating immune-based therapies for patients with NSCLC. The opportunity to conduct translational research by studying relevant preclinical models and human samples will improve our ability to develop more effective therapeutic strategies for patients with lung cancer and other cancers and advance the field of cancer immunotherapy.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Qualified candidates should have a doctoral degree with a strong background in one or more of the following areas: tumor immunology and cancer immunotherapy, molecular biology, cell biology, cancer biology, and biochemistry, with an emphasis on mechanisms of action of immune checkpoint inhibitors and T cell-based therapies (required). Prior experience in understanding, generating, and handling murine models of cancer, as well as the ability to analyze data derived from in vivo studies using syngeneic mouse models of cancer, is desired.
Expertise in any of the following fields would be considered advantageous but is not essential: oncogenic signaling pathways, biomarkers of response and resistance to cancer therapies (targeted therapies, antiangiogenic therapies, and immune-based therapies), cancer metabolism, and immuno-genomics. The postdoctoral fellow is expected to be a self-starter, highly motivated, dedicated, and have critical thinking abilities, excellent technical skills, a strong work ethic, and excellent organizational and communication skills.
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson follows the NIH stipend levels as outlined by the Kirchstein – NRSA. This full-time trainee position will provide a salary between $56,484 to $68,604, dependent upon the years of postgraduate experience.
MD Anderson offers compensated trainees:
– Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for trainees who work 30 or more hours per week
– Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
– Paid Education Vacation and Sick Leave
– Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave and other paid leave programs
– Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
– Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
– Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts
– Fertility benefits
– State of Texas longevity pay
– Extensive wellness, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups