The Jian Hu laboratory at MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking outstanding and motivated postdoctoral candidates to expand our work on molecular mechanisms underpinning brain tumor development and glia functions (Hu J., et al., Cell 2012; Shingu T., et al., Nature Genetics 2017; Zhou X., et al., JCI 2020, Ren J., et al., JEM 2021, Shin S., et al., Nature Communications 2021, Zhou X., eLife 2021).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

We are particularly interested in strengthening three aspects of our research. The first is to decipher the mechanisms of how glioma stem cells (GSCs) manage to sustain their self-renewal capacity in the sub-optimal environment outside the niches, particularly during the process of invasion and migration. The second is to fill the knowledge gap of how glioma associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs) are converted from the antitumor to pro-tumor state and develop rational immunotherapeutic interventions to reverse immune-suppressive, tumor-promoting polarization of GAMs. Lastly, we are looking for new therapeutic approaches for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and chemotherapy-induced neurological defects (chemo-brain).

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Qualified candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: neuroscience, cancer biology, neuroimmunology, metabolism, genetics, or biochemistry. We are only interested in candidates committed to asking fundamentally important questions and fearless in trying novel approaches. A track record of excellent first author publication during PhD training is essential.

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. Jian Hu