Postdoctoral Fellow - GI Med Oncology (Yao Lab)

Assists principal investigator with clinical, translational, and basic scientific research projects. Functions separately and independently in the design and initiation of research experiments. Focuses on establishing in vitro and in vivo models of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and other gastrointestinal and pancreatic tumors to understand tumor molecular biology and develop therapeutic strategies. Designs animal experiments and bench related interrogation and develops approaches and submits samples for bulk RNA-seq, WGS/WES, spatial transcriptomics and single cell RNA-seq as well as other multi-omics experiments (e.g., ATAC-seq) or research to obtain high-reliability results and reports. Focus on PDO, PDX and transgenic mouse models. Performs bioluminescence imaging experiments and analysis to evaluate tumor growth in vivo. Determines specific goals or objectives to be obtained, evaluates research data and develops and revises techniques or approaches to work problems. Interfaces with the databases of tissue samples and tumor molecular data. Compiles, writes, and submits project results for publications. Writes grant applications independently and assists principal investigator with grant applications and collaborates with experimental and computational members of the lab.

Additionally,
a. Independently proposes innovative solutions to research projects and contributes to project goals.
b. Interpret, present and report research findings at internal meetings and potentially external scientific conferences.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- understanding of biology of gastric, intestinal, anal pancreatic cancers
- ability to search and evaluate clinical and scientific literature
- ability to form and then defend hypotheses based on prior experimental data
- ability to effectively communicate findings in written and oral form
- ability to write persuasive grant applications
- ability to navigate scientific publication process

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
M.D., or Ph.D. in Medicine or Science with expertise in bioinformatics data analyses

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 recognition04/21/2025