Postdoctoral Scientist – Chemical Biology and/or Immunology to study infection immunity and cancer immunotherapy
About The Position
The Postdoctoral Scientist will join a multidisciplinary research team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute working at the intersection of metabolomics, lipidomics, immunology, and bacteriology. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research focused on identifying bioactive metabolites, lipids, and natural products and translating these discoveries into potential therapeutic candidates for infectious diseases and cancer. Our laboratory utilizes cutting-edge approaches, including mass spectrometry, chemical analysis and derivatization, multi-omics analyses, cell culture and imaging, protein expression, bacterial infection at BSL2 and BSL3 levels, and animal models, to identify mammalian and microbial metabolites that interact with protein receptors to stimulate immune responses. Current research focuses on identifying metabolites as T-cell antigens or protein ligands to stimulate protective immunity against tuberculosis and cancer. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary research aimed at understanding host-pathogen interactions and immune responses while advancing potential therapeutic candidates for infectious disease and cancer.
Requirements
- Postdoctoral Scientist candidates must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent).
- Commit to and embody Texas Biomedical Research Institute’s Core Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Safety (TIDES).
- Scientific Curiosity & Initiative: Self-motivated and enthusiastic about experimental design, assay development and performance, troubleshooting, and scientific discovery.
- Chemical Biology & Immunology: Demonstrated ability to apply scientific thinking to chemical biology and immunology research questions.
- Metabolomics & Mass Spectrometry: Experience with metabolite extraction for metabolomic profiling, structural identification, and functional characterization, including mass spectrometry and immunological assays.
- Molecular & Protein Sciences: Experience with gene cloning and protein expression to support the structural identification and characterization of metabolite ligands.
- Immunology & Microbiology: Experience performing immunology and microbiology assays for genotypic, phenotypic, and functional characterization.
- Multiple above training experience has been demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications.
Nice To Haves
- Translational Research: Experience with animal model studies and/or human specimen assays is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Design and conduct independent scientific research under the direction of a Faculty/Principal Investigator.
- Conduct research in metabolomics, lipidomics, chemical biology, immunology, bacteriology, infection immunity, and cancer therapeutics.
- Successfully identify mammalian and microbial metabolites, lipids, and natural products as potential T-cell antigens and protein ligands for immune activation.
- Generate and modify hypotheses based on literature analyses and experimental results.
- Carefully design and pursue experiments to test hypotheses and troubleshoot failed assays.
- Maintain accurate and complete experimental records in a timely manner.
- Summarize rationale, hypotheses, experimental design, results, conclusions, and future studies to present them to lab members and colleagues.
- Prepare abstracts, posters, or talks for conference presentations and write manuscripts for journal publications.
- Development of grant writing skills is encouraged. Preparing or assisting in preparing grant and contract applications may be required.
- Participate in seminars and scientific meetings appropriate to the fields of interest.
- Collaborate with Faculty, scientists, and research staff across multidisciplinary research areas.
- Perform other duties important in scientific research.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
- Pet insurance options
- Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 6% contributions starting on day one
- Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and paid Winter Recess
- Paid parental leave
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance
- On-site medical clinic and wellness programs
- On-site fitness center
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
