Postdoctoral Fellow - Genetics - Karras Lab
- Requisition #: 144300-202504101132
- Department: Genetics
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 4/9/2025
Tumor cells must endure diverse intrinsic and extrinsic stressors that perturb proteome homeostasis. By serving as a protein-folding "buffer" within the cell, the chaperone protein HSP90 supports protein homeostasis and enables tumor cells to survive and rapidly evolve resistance to therapies.
The Karras laboratory investigates the role of HSP90 and protein homeostasis as a whole in aging and disease. We are looking for motivated and creative postdoctoral trainees to join our diverse team of postdoctoral trainees and students and contribute through their efforts to our discovery, innovation, education, and collaboration initiatives in a collegial and respectful working environment. Successful candidates will utilize cutting-edge functional genomics methodologies, targeting whole animals (mice), single cells and single molecules, and diverse bioinformatic pipelines to elucidate the proteotoxic sources of missing heritability in cancer and other age-related diseases. The project also makes extensive use of CRISPR-based genome engineering, robot-assisted high-throughput biochemistry, and spatial multi-omics approaches to determine how protein homeostasis networks shape cancer evolution. This strategy is designed to identify novel cancer therapies that limit the ability of tumors to evolve therapy resistance. Previous experience with genomics or biochemistry is not required but preferred (see below). Postdoctoral trainees are expected to contribute to the grant writing and manuscript writing initiatives in the lab. Trainees will be integrated into the strong community of postdoctoral fellows at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The start date is flexible.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The postdoctoral fellow will engage with the PI in understanding how the HSP90 chaperone is regulated in cancer and how it supports genome integrity in tumor cells. This will benefit from a deep investigation of cell biology and signaling pathway biology. The PI will mentor the postdoctoral fellow in laboratory approaches that may be unfamiliar and in critical thought, experimental design, and bringing new perspectives to the laboratory. Training that may be needed that is outside of the expertise of the PI will involve attending courses and conferences and engaging in collaborative ventures. A major part of the learning objectives will involve optimizing scientific communication, both written and oral, which includes publishing papers, obtaining funding, and developing robust networks of colleagues to enhance one's work in the laboratory and to promote the trainee's research program after leaving the laboratory.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows with interests in functional proteomics, quantitative genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or cancer biology. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who are eager to apply their expertise to biological systems and advance the field of precision medicine. A recently obtained Ph.D. is required.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Karras lab: https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/labs/karras-laboratory.html
For specific questions e-mail: gkarras@mdanderson.org
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 recognition06/30/2025
The Karras laboratory investigates the role of HSP90 and protein homeostasis as a whole in aging and disease. We are looking for motivated and creative postdoctoral trainees to join our diverse team of postdoctoral trainees and students and contribute through their efforts to our discovery, innovation, education, and collaboration initiatives in a collegial and respectful working environment. Successful candidates will utilize cutting-edge functional genomics methodologies, targeting whole animals (mice), single cells and single molecules, and diverse bioinformatic pipelines to elucidate the proteotoxic sources of missing heritability in cancer and other age-related diseases. The project also makes extensive use of CRISPR-based genome engineering, robot-assisted high-throughput biochemistry, and spatial multi-omics approaches to determine how protein homeostasis networks shape cancer evolution. This strategy is designed to identify novel cancer therapies that limit the ability of tumors to evolve therapy resistance. Previous experience with genomics or biochemistry is not required but preferred (see below). Postdoctoral trainees are expected to contribute to the grant writing and manuscript writing initiatives in the lab. Trainees will be integrated into the strong community of postdoctoral fellows at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The start date is flexible.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The postdoctoral fellow will engage with the PI in understanding how the HSP90 chaperone is regulated in cancer and how it supports genome integrity in tumor cells. This will benefit from a deep investigation of cell biology and signaling pathway biology. The PI will mentor the postdoctoral fellow in laboratory approaches that may be unfamiliar and in critical thought, experimental design, and bringing new perspectives to the laboratory. Training that may be needed that is outside of the expertise of the PI will involve attending courses and conferences and engaging in collaborative ventures. A major part of the learning objectives will involve optimizing scientific communication, both written and oral, which includes publishing papers, obtaining funding, and developing robust networks of colleagues to enhance one's work in the laboratory and to promote the trainee's research program after leaving the laboratory.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
We are seeking highly motivated postdoctoral fellows with interests in functional proteomics, quantitative genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, or cancer biology. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who are eager to apply their expertise to biological systems and advance the field of precision medicine. A recently obtained Ph.D. is required.
ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Karras lab: https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/labs/karras-laboratory.html
For specific questions e-mail: gkarras@mdanderson.org
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
