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INTRODUCTION

The laboratory of Dr. Victor Fattori seeks highly motivated candidates for a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Translational Neuroscience at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated scientist to develop an independent research program at the interface of neuroscience, pharmacology, and cancer biology, within one of the world's leading cancer research institutions.

The major focus of the position is to study the neuroimmune mechanisms of pain in gynecological disease, with a focus on endometriosis and ovarian cancer. The successful candidate will be expected to design and execute experiments, participate in the drafting of scientific publications and funding proposals and, with direction from the PI, may supervise students. The selected individual will receive strong mentoring and have many opportunities for growth and development as a scientist and to publish high-quality work and present at relevant scientific conferences. Successful candidates will be exposed to many aspects of the drug discovery and development process in a center with a long history of successful translational research.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the appointment, the postdoctoral fellow will be able to:

1. Design and conduct independent research studies that investigate neuroimmune mechanisms of pain in gynecological diseases, including endometriosis and ovarian cancer, with increasing independence and appropriate experimental controls.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in pain research and pharmacology methodologies by independently performing and interpreting appropriate nociception, analgesic pharmacology, receptor/signaling, and, when applicable, rodent behavioral pain assays.
3. Analyze, interpret, and communicate research data by applying appropriate analytical approaches and clearly presenting findings in laboratory meetings, scientific presentations, and other professional forums.
4. Disseminate research findings through scholarly activities by contributing to peer-reviewed manuscripts and funding proposals and presenting research findings at national or international scientific conferences.
5. Demonstrate translational research competency by integrating principles of neuroscience, pharmacology, and cancer biology to evaluate potential therapeutic targets and contribute to the drug discovery and development process for pain-related diseases.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. or MD/Ph.D. in the biological sciences (awarded or anticipated)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated experience in pain research and pharmacology (e.g., nociception assays, analgesic pharmacology, receptor/signaling pharmacology)
• Publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to perform as a team member and good interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and organizational skills and excellent attention to detail
• Analyze and interpret data, prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and present findings at national/international conferences

PREFERRED

• Direct experience with abdominal or visceral pain models (e.g., endometriosis, IBS, pancreatitis, or related visceral hypersensitivity models)
• Familiarity with neuroimmune or neuro-oncology signaling in the context of abdominal pain-related diseases
• Experience with rodent behavioral pain assays (von Frey, hot plate, abdominal withdrawal reflex, etc.)
• Background in molecular/cellular pharmacology techniques (calcium imaging, receptor binding assays, etc)

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Interested candidates should submit a C.V. and contact information, including phone numbers, for at least 2 references.

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. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.