Job Information
MD Anderson Cancer Center Postdoctoral Fellow - Pulmonary Medicine - Research in MDA-On-Site, United States
Mucus hypersecretion is an important problem in all of the common diseases of the airways, including asthma, cystic fibrosis, and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Mucin production is greatly upregulated by certain types of inflammation; when the stored mucins are explosively released in response to extracellular signals, lumenal mucus can obstruct the airways with fatal consequences. The Pulmonary Research lab is seeking a trainee to carry out studies of mucin secretion in airway epithelium, specifically with the focus on investigation of the properties of several of the SNAREs proteins - primarily that of the VAMP and Stx. Enhance our understanding of the mechanisms of regulated mucin exocytosis to enable therapeutic intervention in preventing mucous airway obstruction in asthma and other lung diseases by the way of manipulating and affecting the proteins of the secretory machinery.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Prepares and conducts in vivo studies of mucin secretion, including breeding mutant and wildtype mice, genotyping mice, delivering various treatments to mice, harvesting mouse tissues, euthanizing some mice, and keeping excellent records of these processes.
Prepares and conducts ex vivo/in situ histologic analyses using the following techniques: animal dissection, tissue fixation, paraffin embedding, cryofixation, tissue sectioning (paraffin and frozen), histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization.
Performs microscopic and morphometric image analyses of histological specimens.
Constructs, assembles, and operates laboratory apparatus and equipment including thermocyclers, agarose gel electrophoresis units, nebulizers/gas compressors, and spectrophotometers.
Isolates, extracts, purifies, and analyzes mouse genomic DNA for genotyping purposes using PCR.
Isolates, extracts, purifies, and analyzes mouse RNA for purposes of gene expression analysis.
Performs cell sorting and flowcytometry, with subsequent analysis.
Performs protein extraction and performing the protein-based assays including ELISA and Western blot.
Reads literature relevant to regulated secretion, lung, epithelial biology and/or laboratory methods.
Communicates freely and clearly and must confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project.
Records and evaluates data obtained in accordance with methods requested and confers with superiors regarding results obtained.
Analyzes data, prepares graphs, and figures, and helps in writing and submitting manuscripts.
PERIODIC FUNCTIONS:
Presents data in formal Pulmonary Research Laboratory Seminars.
Presents papers in departmental Journal Clubs.
Present data in weekly meetings of the Dickey-Tuvim laboratory personnel.
Present papers in weekly laboratory Journal Clubs.
Present data in national and international meetings in form of poster or podium talk.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Required: PhD or MD. Basic molecular biology and immunology techniques are required.
Work experience with small rodents is a plus.
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson follows the NIH stipend levels as outlined by the Kirchstein - NRSA (https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-23-076.html) . This full-time trainee position will provide a salary between $56,484 to $68,604, dependent upon the years of postgraduate experience.
MD Anderson offers compensated trainees:
Paid medical benefits (zero premium) starting on 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