Job Description
The Keith Syson Chan laboratory has assembled a
highly supportive research environment for trainees, and is seeking a self-
motivated, career goal-driven postdoc (at all levels) with enthusiasm in
studying the epigenetic regulation of the immune TME in impacting immune
checkpoint response [_Nature_ **517** : 209–213 (2015); _Nature
Communications_ **10** : 2131 (2019); _Nature Communications_ **11** : 6299
(2020); _Nature Communications_ **13** : 1487 (2022); _J Natl Cancer Inst_.
2022 114(10):1380-1391; _Nature Reviews Urology_ **19** : 515–533 (2022)]. We
have established tumor models representing hot and cold tumors with scRNAseq
profiling and corresponding differential response to various treatment
modalities. These data and models will form the foundation for project mining
and experimental investigations. Our lab also has in-lab flow cytometry
analyzer and sorter, spatial biology platforms (e.g., 10X Xenium, 10X
CytAssist, Akoya PhenoCycler etc), proteomics profiling capacity, and ample
fundings to integrate omics data with functional assays for research
investigations. Candidates are highly welcome to bring their own ideas, those
with at least one first author publication and expertise in epigenetics, or
one of following research topics are highly encouraged to apply:
- Epigenetic regulation, chromatin modifications, ATAC-seq, scATAC-seq etc
- Cancer immunology and the immune TME
- Immunometabolism
- Molecular biology in various cell death mechanisms, e.g., ferroptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, inflammasome biology etc
- Mechanisms of immune exclusion and checkpoint resistance
Postdoc candidates receive equal benefits as full-time Methodist employees.
**PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS**
- Assists the physician in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigators (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 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 andor publication in professional journals and other publications.
**QUALITYSAFETY 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.
**GROWTHINNOVATION 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 businessjob 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
**LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED**
* NA
**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES**
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
**SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS**
**WORK ATTIRE**
- Uniform No
- Scrubs Yes
- Business professional No
- Other (department approved) Yes
**ON-CALL***
_*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie.
DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below._
* On Call* No
**TRAVEL****
_**Travel specifications may vary by department**_
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
- *Company Profile:**
Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and
Research Institute, including 772 faculty and 56,250 learners. The Academic
Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the
clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new
technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston
Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation
with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the
Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M; University Intercollegiate School
of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing
medical education and graduate medical education, and supports more than 1,000
trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research
education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research
programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new
scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full
cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and
development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute
supports more than 1,387 clinical research protocols and $70.3 million in
extramurally funded translational research programs.
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.
Job Tags
Full time, For contractors, Traineeship, Work experience placement,