Postdoc Fellow - Cancer Systems Imaging-Dr. Loukia Karacosta's lab

The Department of Cancer Systems Imaging (CSI) is one of the largest new programs at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center within the Division of Diagnostic Imaging. The goal of this department and its research program is to develop new methodologies to visualize the cellular, biochemical, and genetic processes that contribute to the development and progression of cancer and to translate these discoveries into the clinic.

Dr. Loukia Karacosta's lab focuses on poorly characterized processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aims to dissect how phenotypic plasticity drives the dynamics of drug resistance, therapy response, and subsequent disease progression in the tumor microenvironment as a whole. By leveraging cancer systems biology approaches and single-cell technologies like mass cytometry (CyTOF), multiplexed imaging, live imaging, and computational tools, we aim to interrogate the complex biology and spatiotemporal dynamics of therapy resistance in various cancer systems such as cell lines, patient-derived organoids and longitudinal clinical specimens (solid tumors and liquid biopsies).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The trainee will learn to utilize innovative approaches of cancer systems biology to develop tools at the translational forefront of cancer systems research, towards predicting and counteracting mechanisms of drug resistance and evaluating disease status and response to treatment in cancer patients.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Prospective candidates with a variety of backgrounds are welcome to apply with a Ph.D. in fields such as cancer biology, molecular and cellular biology, biomedical engineering, biochemistry, and computational biology/bioinformatics from an accredited institution of higher learning. The ideal candidate would have at least some prior experiences in areas like cancer cell biology, cancer systems biology, preclinical cancer models, use of immortalized cell lines, organoids, and tissues, analysis of advanced imaging techniques and single-cell data, computational biology or bioinformatics with interest in developing specialized skills in generating high-dimensional data and downstream analysis with translational applications. Although not required, expertise in single-cell analysis (e.g. CyTOF and RNAseq), multiplexed imaging, and cancer systems biology is highly desirable.

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. MD Anderson trainee compensation also includes:

Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on the first day for trainees who work 30 or more hours per week
Group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage
Paid education, vacation, and sick leave
Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
Employer-paid life, AD&D, and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
Health Savings Account and Dependent Care Reimbursement flexible spending accounts
Fertility benefits
State of Texas longevity pay
Extensive wellness, fitness, employee health programs, and employee resource groups

FACULTY MENTOR
Loukia Karacosta