Job Description
The Hu Lab in the Department of Immunology seeks to understand how the tumor microenvironment is spatially organized, what cell-cell interactions drive the emergence of spatial heterogeneity, and how this impacts responses to immunotherapy.
We seek a bold, creative candidate to elucidate the fibroblast wiring diagram across tissues and diseases. Using high-throughput single-cell approaches combined with CRISPR-based screens in vivo, we'll map how fibroblasts translate environmental signals into gene programs that drive cancer, wound healing, and fibrosis. Join us to build a first-of-its-kind, systems-level model of fibroblast behavior and redefine how we understand and target these essential but elusive cells.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES • Take overall responsibility for and drive the proposed project, focusing on fibroblasts and how they both integrate signals and influence other cell types in a variety of disease settings. This entails designing and planning key experiments, troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and taking the initiative to seek out new avenues of inquiry, including collaborations.
• Gain proficiency in mouse models of cancer, tissue regeneration, and fibrosis. Will gain expertise in fibroblast biology and tumor immunology.
• Expected to gain expertise in performing statistical tests for rigorous hypothesis testing and data visualization. Scholar will be also expected to develop skills for presenting and effectively communicating research both internally as well as externally at scientific conferences.
• Apply single-cell and single-nuclei sequencing towards fibroblasts and immune cells in the tumor. This includes the analysis pipeline from raw sequencing data to dataset integration, clustering, pathway analysis, differential gene expression analysis, and other algorithms as the project requires.
• Gain proficiency in preparing viral vectors for the delivery of transgenes and sgRNA for in vivo CRISPR-based approaches.
• Gain proficiency in microscopy techniques, including in situ hybridization, multiplexed immunofluorescence, and the analysis of these kinds of data.
• Take the lead in writing up manuscripts or abstracts on the research with supervision from the PI. May also be asked to assist in the preparation of grant proposals or other literature, such as review articles.
• Will be expected to take an active role in working with and training lab staff who will be assigned to assist with the project.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS • Prior experience with high-dimensional single-cell and/or spatial transcriptomics data analysis and data visualization software is a must.
• A PhD or equivalent in the fields of Immunology, Cancer Biology, Cell Biology, Systems Biology, Bioinformatics, or Computational Biology is required
• Experience in flow cytometry, molecular biology, and tissue culture is heavily preferred
• As most of the work will focus on preclinical mouse models, a willingness to work with live mice is preferred.
• Good communication skills with the supervisor and colleagues are a must. Excellent organizational skills of both experimental notes, data, and physical reagents are also a must.
• Candidate must have demonstrated proficiency in scientific writing through at least one lead-authorship manuscript
POSITION INFORMATION MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc 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 recognition05/01/2026
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