Postdoc Fellow - Immunology (Dr. Curran's Lab)

A postdoctoral position in basic and translational immune checkpoint biology and immunotherapy is available in the lab of Dr. Michael A. Curran at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Curran was the first to study and report the combination of CTLA-4 and PD-1 blockade which remains the most effective clinical immunotherapy. The Curran lab studies mechanisms of immune resistance in "cold" cancers (prostate, pancreatic, glioblastoma), in particular, focused on tumor hypoxia and oxygen metabolism, as well as on novel approaches to modulation of the tumor myeloid stroma. Research in the lab spans basic T cell co-stimulatory biology, tumor microenvironment studies in murine models, and ongoing clinical trials and associated correlatives. The lab offers unique resources for research in mice and in man, as we have developed our own novel immune checkpoint antibodies and uniquely potent agonists of the Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) innate immune sensor. Prior fellows hold tenured academic professorships, scientist positions in industry, and senior positions in patient-focused immune monitoring centers.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Successful candidates will lead a project to characterize how different DNA damage pathways engaged in tumors following radiotherapy act to block phagocytosis of dying tumor cells preventing anti-tumor immune priming, as well as how inhibition of either these DNA damage pathways or the downstream "Don't Eat Me" signals can restore cancer immunogenicity following radiation therapy. The candidate will also participate/assist in manuscript writing for publication in scientific journals and/or presentations. They may also assist in grant writing. Assist with lab maintenance and preparation of shared reagents.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must have a recent Ph.D. degree in a related field along with lead-author publications, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work independently within a research team. Candidates who pursue an independent career path are highly preferred. Expertise in cancer immunology, murine tumor modeling, and/or tumor/immune metabolism is also desirable.

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 recognition12/20/2024