Postdoctoral Fellow - Translational Molecular Path/Immunology (Schenkel Lab)

A fellow postdoctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Jason M. Schenkel in the Department of Translational Molecular Pathology and Department of Immunology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The Schenkel lab is focused on understanding the immune response to cancer using sophisticated mouse models to recapitulate human cancer pathophysiology. Specifically, the Schenkel Lab is interested in understanding the role of the tissue and tumor microenvironment in shaping the CD8+ T cell (and general) immune response to cancer, how this response changes over time, and how metastatic disease alters the composition of local and systemic immune cells. The majority of this work will be carried out in pre-clinical mouse models of cancer; however, the laboratory will extend our findings into primary human samples in the future. Candidates for this position will have the opportunity to work on sophisticated models of cancer in a positive work environment with an energized group of individuals and with ample access and mentoring by Dr. Schenkel.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1.) To understand the role of the tissue and tumor microenvironment in driving T cell and leukocyte dysfunction in tumors.

2.) To determine the role of time in shaping CD8 T cell transcriptional and epigenetic programs in cancer.

3.) Define how metastatic lesions alter the local and systemic immune response to cancer and to see how metastasis to different tissues drives different immune responses.

4) Postdoctoral fellows will receive extensive one on one mentorship with Dr. Schenkel in order to facilitate career goals, foster independence, and to help develop writing and presentation skills.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
An individual holding a recent (within three years) Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate (e.g., Sc.D., M.D., D.V.M.) in an appropriate field who is seeking a temporary appointment under the supervision of a faculty mentor, involving full-time laboratory-based research or scholarship in preparation for an academic or research career as an independent investigator. This appointment is not part of a clinical training program; individuals holding an M.D. degree or equivalent are not permitted to engage in patient care activity.

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
Dr. Jason M. Schenkel