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.  Preferred candidates 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.

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. 

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 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

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.