Craig Brown and Sue Smith Endowed Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Immunology

Overview: The Smith and Brown Endowed Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Immunology is a prestigious opportunity for highly motivated individuals who have recently graduated with a Ph.D. or M.D. Ph.D. degree in cancer immunobiology or a related field (within a maximum of 2 years after obtaining their degree). This fellowship program is dedicated to the advancement of cancer immunology and immunotherapy, with a focus on the development of innovative preventive vaccines and therapeutic devices and platforms that harness the body's own immune system to combat cancer effectively. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to work at the forefront of cell engineering and explore the potential for local cell recruitment and reprogramming. This fellowship supports individuals to conduct research training in the Grattoni’s Laboratory at the Houston Methodist Hospital, in Houston Texas. Houston Methodist Hospital, situated in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, the world's largest medical complex, is at the forefront of medical innovation and research. With a strong emphasis on translating cutting-edge biomedical technologies into clinical practice, it stands as a beacon of excellence in healthcare, delivering state-of-the-art patient care and advancing the boundaries of medical science.

Qualifications and Expertise:

The ideal candidate for this fellowship will meet the following qualifications and requirements:

1. A Ph.D. or M.D. Ph.D. degree in cancer immunology or a related field (awarded within the last 2 years).
2. A solid record of publications as first authors in peer-reviewed journals.
3. Proficiency in immunotherapeutics, in vivo preclinical tumor models, rodent handling, and flow cytometry.
4. Strong experience in relevant laboratory techniques and methodologies.
5. Excellent writing and communication skills.
6. High levels of initiative, proactiveness, and a commitment to achieving scientific excellence.

Research Focus:

The fellowship will revolve around the development of innovative strategies to elicit potent anti-cancer responses from the immune system. This involves investigating and creating preventive vaccines and therapeutic platforms, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of immunology and cell engineering. The research may include exploring local cell recruitment and reprogramming techniques that hold promise in the fight against cancer.

Benefits and Support:

• Financial support in the form of an endowed fellowship.
• Travel funding available for conferences and collaborative research opportunities.
• Collaborative work environment within a team of trainees and investigators.
• Opportunities to provide mentorship and guidance to junior scientists and graduate students.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.

Application Process:

Applicants interested in the Smith and Brown Endowed Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Immunology are encouraged to submit their application materials, including their CV, a cover letter outlining their research interests, contact information for 3 references, and a list of their first-author publications. The selection process will be highly competitive, and candidates with a demonstrated passion for advancing cancer immunology, the qualifications mentioned above, and a strong publication record will be given preference.

This fellowship provides a unique platform for recent graduates to make a significant impact in the field of cancer immunology and immunotherapy, contribute to groundbreaking research, and gain valuable experience in a collaborative and innovative environment. Join us in the pursuit of advancing cancer immunology and developing transformative approaches to cancer treatment.

Contacts

Email: Grattonilab@houstonmethodist.org

Webpage: https://grattoni.hmailabs.org/

The Craig and Galen Brown Foundation:

The Craig and Galen Brown Foundation (“Brown Foundation”) scholarship program was formalized in 1992 with the awarding of four undergraduate scholarships to high achieving, well rounded students with demonstrated leadership who achieved National Merit status, attended Texas A&M University (“A&M”) and pursued STEM majors, principally in engineering, science and business. Since its humble beginnings, the Brown Foundation has awarded 600+ undergraduate scholarships. Students, known as Brown Scholars, are recognized on the A&M campus as exceptional students and leaders and have held every leadership position on campus and in their chosen professions and include physicians, researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs, CEO’s, executive managers and business owners.

Beginning in 2019, the Brown Foundation awarded Engineering Medicine (“EnMed”) graduate scholarships to a subset of students who were offered undergraduate scholarships and attended A&M majoring in engineering disciplines. EnMed is a first in the nation program where students receive MD and Master of Engineering degrees in four years. The Brown Foundation annually proffers 15+ high school students for admission to EnMed using the E2EnMed Early Assurance Program pathway. Currently 40+ Brown Scholars across 4 classes will matriculate to EnMed.

Craig Brown is the Founder and Chairman of the Brown Foundation and his wife, Sue Smith, serves as Executive Vice President.

The average Brown Scholar GPA is 3.89. The average EnMed Brown Scholar GPA is 3.98 and the average MCAT score is 520, 97%.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the physician 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 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

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

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

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.