Postdoctoral Fellow - Surgical Oncology - Research

The Postdoctoral Fellow will participate in translational and clinical research focused on the role of the gut microbiome in cancer biology, cancer immunotherapy response, gastrointestinal diseases, and microbiome-based therapeutic strategies. The fellow will contribute to multidisciplinary projects integrating microbiome science, immuno-oncology, gastroenterology, and translational medicine.

Participation in prospective clinical and translational studies evaluating microbiome dynamics, antibiotic exposure, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), live biotherapeutic products, and immune-related outcomes in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and cellular therapies. Coordinate biospecimen and clinical data, conduct scientific literature reviews, prepare manuscripts, present research findings, and collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams.

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

• Gain in-depth knowledge of gut microbiome composition, function, and its role in cancer and immune modulation.
• Build proficiency in translational research approaches linking bench science to clinical outcomes.
• Participate in multidisciplinary research integrating microbiology, immunology, oncology, and gastroenterology.
• Stay current with emerging literature on microbiome-based therapeutics and immunotherapy response.

• Actively participate in prospective clinical trials involving immune checkpoint inhibitors, HSCT, and cellular therapies.
• Assist in study design, protocol development, and regulatory submissions (IRB).
• Coordinate biospecimen collection (stool, blood, tissue) and ensure protocol compliance.
• Monitor and document clinical and microbiome-related data for research studies.

• Support research on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and live biotherapeutic products.
• Evaluate the impact of antibiotics and microbiome modulation on treatment outcomes.
• Contribute to studies assessing microbiome influence on immune-related adverse events and therapeutic responses.
• Collaborate with laboratory and clinical teams to translate findings into therapeutic strategies.

• Develop proficiency in microbiome data analysis (e.g., sequencing data, bioinformatics tools).
• Analyze correlations between microbiome profiles and clinical/immunologic outcomes.
• Interpret complex datasets integrating clinical, microbiological, and immunologic variables.
• Ensure accuracy, reproducibility, and scientific rigor in all analyses.

Candidates must possess an MD degree or equivalent medical degree from an accredited institution and demonstrate strong interest in translational research related to microbiome science, gastroenterology, cancer immunology, and translational oncology. Preference will be given to candidates with clinical training or residency experience in Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Immunology, or related biomedical disciplines.

Eligible candidates should have prior involvement in clinical and/or translational research projects involving microbiome science, cancer immunotherapy, gastrointestinal diseases, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cellular therapies, or microbiome-based therapeutics. Experience contributing to prospective observational or longitudinal clinical studies, biospecimen-driven translational research, and multidisciplinary collaborative projects is highly desirable.

Candidates should demonstrate evidence of scientific productivity and academic engagement through manuscript preparation, scientific writing, literature review activities, peer-review participation, or involvement in ongoing publications. Experience participating in collaborative international research initiatives is considered an asset.

MD Anderson offers full-time postdoctoral 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…