Postdoctoral Fellow - Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy

The Thandapani lab at MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow with a strong biomedical research background to join our team.

The Thandapani laboratory is an interdisciplinary and highly collaborative team focused on understanding tRNA dependent control of gene expression programs in normal and malignant hematopoietic cell lines. We recently identified altered tRNA biogenesis as an indicator of tumor-specific amino acid demand for protein synthesis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) (Nature 2022). These results have revealed that understanding tRNA deregulation can reveal novel targetable dependencies in tumors.

We are seeking a well-organized, highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with a background in molecular biology, RNA, and cancer biology. In this position, the applicant will lead projects focused on understanding the role of tRNA deregulation in leukemia development. Ongoing projects include:

• tRNA expression and modification profiling in acute leukemias and healthy matched controls using NGS, Nanopore sequencing, and RNA‑mass spectrometry.
• Epigenetic regulation of tRNA genes in leukemias.
• Development of new CRISPR tools for functional genomics of tRNAs.

The applicant is expected to utilize MDACC's rich resources in human samples and patient-derived tumor models and apply novel approaches to profile tRNA expression and epitranscriptomic changes across leukemia subtypes, normal hematopoietic subsets, and integrate this information with functional CRISPR screens, mechanistic studies, and novel approaches (dietary, RNA therapeutics, synthetic lethality) to gain insights into tRNA deregulation and develop novel therapies for hematological malignancies.

• Advanced Research Design & Execution:
  Lead independent research projects dissecting oncogenic regulatory mechanisms in leukemia.
• Cutting-Edge Multi-omics & Genomics:
  Master the integration and analysis of complex datasets, including tRNA omics, functional genomics, and CRISPR screening.
• Translational Therapeutics Development:
  Collaborate with comprehensive institutional core facilities to translate basic findings into novel targeted strategies.
• Scientific Leadership & Communication:
  Lead the drafting of high-impact scientific manuscripts, present findings at multidisciplinary seminars, and collaborate with internal and external research partners.
• Career Independence:
  Execute a tailored career transition plan to develop the professional skills necessary for a successful move into an independent academic or industry position.

Dr. Thandapani is strongly committed to the professional fulfillment and career advancement of all trainees. He will work on creating a successful transition plan to academia or industry for the fellow in accordance with their evolving preferences. The fellow will have access to the rich research platforms at MD Anderson and more broadly the Texas Medical Center, including the computation cluster, single-cell core facility, epigenetics core facility, flow cytometry facilities, drug screening core, animal colony, and many others.

The stipend will follow the NIH guideline: .html

Highly motivated individuals who have obtained or are about to obtain a PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, or related areas are encouraged to apply. A proven track record of publications and excellent written and oral communication skills are required. Preferences will be given to those with research experience in RNA biology, cancer genomics, epigenetics, and CRISPR technologies.

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.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center provides 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. http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html