A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position to study novel molecular mechanisms of cancer progression and to discover novel therapeutic antibodies or kinase inhibitors is available in Dr. Wenliang Li’s lab at the Texas Therapeutics Institute (https://www.uth.edu/imm/centers/texas-therapeutics-institute.htm) in The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth).

Metastasis is responsible for over 90% of cancer death but its mechanisms are still poorly understood and current treatments are largely unsuccessful for metastatic tumors. Research in Dr. Li’s lab is to study novel regulators of cancer metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance, through a unique combination of RNAi/cDNA screens, cancer genomics, molecular cell biology, mouse models and patient specimens. The goals of the research are to gain new knowledge of cancer progression, identify novel cancer drug targets and develop better therapeutics, including kinase inhibitors and antibody-based modalities, such as mAb, ADC, bi-specific Ab and CAR-T cells.

Qualified candidates should have a doctoral degree, strong background and good first-authored publications in cancer biology, molecular cell biology, or signal transduction. Prior experience in mouse models is desirable but not required. The postdoc/scientist are expected to have strong work ethic, critical thinking abilities, excellent organization and communication skills.

You can expect the PI to have a sincere interest in your work and support you at every stage of your career. We will help you realize your potential, do meaningful and fun science with the team, and develop a vision as an independent scientist.

Salaries of postdoctoral will follow NIH guidelines. Salaries for other positions are commensurate with experience, following university guidelines. The Institute is located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical center, in the 4th largest US city with a relatively low living cost.

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:  

100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees   Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)  The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!  Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)  Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan! 

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as... 

Free financial and legal counseling  Free mental health counseling services  Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs  Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.  Resources for child and elder care  Plus many more! 

Position Summary:

A biomedical postdoc position provides an opportunity for early-career researchers to gain valuable experience, develop independent research skills, and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge in their field of expertise.

Position Key Accountabilities:

1.    Plans and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and prepares publications describing results.
2.    Assists in training and mentoring of lab personnel, including graduate students and other trainees.
3.    Reads and evaluates literature.
4.    Possess interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate and communicate with individuals at all levels.
5.    Have strong written and oral communication skills.
6.    Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualified candidates should have a doctoral degree, strong background and good first-authored publications in cancer biology, molecular cell biology, or signal transduction. Prior experience in mouse models is desirable but not required. The postdoc is expected to have strong work ethic, critical thinking abilities, excellent organization and communication skills.

Minimum Education:

Doctoral/Terminal Degree

Physical Requirements:

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive:

This job class may contain positions that are security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of Texas Education Code § 51.215

Residency Requirement:

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.