Postdoctoral Fellow, Pancreatic Cancer, Livestrong Cancer Institutes/Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School

Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow, Pancreatic Cancer, Livestrong Cancer Institutes/Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School

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Hiring Department:

Dell Medical School

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2024

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Livestrong Cancer Institutes of the Dell Medical School have a simple yet powerful mission: to rethink the full range of cancer care and research, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and end-of-life care — all with a focus on the patient’s needs, values and preferences. Embedded within The University of Texas at Austin, a top-tier research institution, the Livestrong Cancer Institutes are positioned to become a renowned center for technologies and models that strengthen the fight against cancer. Closely affiliated with the Livestrong Cancer Institutes is the Department of Oncology, which aims to advance care — and improve health outcomes — through a patient-centered enterprise strategy developed in partnership with the Central Texas cancer care community.

The Matsui cancer research program merges cancer, stem cell, and developmental biology to better understand tumor initiation, regrowth, and spread. We have identified the determinants of self-renewal in both blood (multiple myeloma, leukemia) and solid (pancreas) that include signaling pathways directing embryonic development.  We have also carried out translational research and have developed several novel treatment approaches in the laboratory that have been subsequently tested in patients in the form of novel clinical trials. This research is led by William Matsui, MD, Professor of Oncology at the Livestrong Cancer Institutes in Dell Medical School at The University of Texas of Austin. 

The Aung cancer research program encompasses both preclinical and clinical translational research in pancreatic cancer. The current pre-clinical laboratory studies focus on elucidating the effects of drug treatments on tumor and tumor microenvironment including changes in immune contexture using innovative in vitro and in vivo models as well as patient derived clinical samples. One main theme is harnessing biological pathways by using novel strategies to increase the immunogenicity of pancreatic cancer cells to overcome immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. This research is led by Kyaw Aung, MD PhD, Assistant Professor of Oncology at Livestrong Cancer Institutes in Dell Medical School at The University of Texas of Austin. 

We seek a postdoctoral fellow to carry out research mainly focusing on pancreatic cancer in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with world-class experts and state-of-the-art technologies. Prior research experience in pancreatic cancer and immunology is highly desirable but not necessary.

One year assignment which can be renewed on an annual basis up to a total of five years. Previous time in a postdoctoral fellow position (whether paid or unpaid) at the University or at any other university counts towards this time limitation (unless the area or discipline changes).

Purpose

Carry out research mainly focusing on pancreatic cancer in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with world-class experts and state-of-the-art technologies.

Responsibilities

• Carry out primary research investigating cellular mechanisms responsible for self-renewal, and immune resistance and response in cancer systems.  These projects may utilize genetically engineered mouse models of cancer, established cell lines, and patient derived clinical specimens.  Experimental approaches will include basic cell and molecular biology technique.

• Publish manuscripts, write and edit grants, progress reports.

• Participate in the design of a project.  Lead a research effort in the direction set forth by the PI and the specific project.

• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, or relevant fields. PhD must be received within that last three years. At the Dell Medical School we strive to create a vital, inclusive health ecosystem. To ensure alignment, we follow these fundamental values: https://dellmed.utexas.edu/culture. The successful candidate should have excellent communications skills, leadership abilities, and possess the highest ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with in vitro and in vivo preclinical drug testing, immunol