Postdoctoral Fellow 4 - Neurosurg - Rostomily

Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Academic Institute

At Houston Methodist, the Postdoctoral Fellow position is responsible for performing basic research duties under the supervision/direction of a Physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI). This position may work in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission.

The Rostomily-Mikheev Lab at the Houston Methodist Research Institute is seeking a post-doctoral fellow to establish the role of novel dual NR4A1 and NR4A2 nuclear orphan receptor inhibitors in glioblastoma (GBM). NR4A1/2 drives crosstalk between immune suppression and EMT and their inhibition is hypothesized to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint blockade and standard TMZ/XRT therapies by concurrently reprogramming the mesenchymal and immune suppressive tumor microenvironment. The candidate will be involved in quantifying the effects of NR4A1/2 inhibition on reprogramming the GBM TME in syngeneic models using multiple approaches including scRNAseq, spatial IHC and transcriptomics and bioinformatic modeling to measure TME changes. The role of NR4A1/2 regulated targets, TWIST1 and PD-L1, in TME modulation and treatment responses will be defined through gain and loss of function studies. These studies are expected to support clinical development of the NR4A1/2 drugs as standalone or adjuvant therapies to potentiate current standard of care and/or immune checkpoint treatment in GBM.

The position is open and available for starting immediately. The project is funded through a recently awarded R01 “Pharmacologic targeting of NR4A1 and NR4A2 to activate glioblastoma treatment response” (1R01NS129720) in collaboration with Dr Steven Safe at Texas A&M who developed the drugs and has expertise in NR4A1/2 in cancer. Competitive candidates are expected to have experience in cancer molecular biology, cancer mouse models, cancer pharmacology and/or immuno-oncology and a sincere interest in translational research for the benefit of cancer patients.

People Essential Functions

• Assists the physician and/or Principal Investigator (PI) in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator's (PI) laboratory.
• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.
• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in the development of such skills.
• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.
  
  

Service Essential Functions

• Develops research methods and performs research activities.
• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.
  
  

Quality/Safety Essential Functions

• Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.
• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.
• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.
  
  

Finance Essential Functions

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.
  
  

Growth/Innovation Essential Functions

• Participates in pertinent research activities and evidenced-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.
  
  

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 - Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only)
  
  

Work Experience

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 - None Postdoctoral Fellow 1 - One year of Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 2 - Two years' Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 3 - Three years' Postdoc experience Postdoctoral Fellow 4 - Four years' Postdoc experience
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.