Postdoc Fellowship in Hoffman Laboratory

The Hofmann Laboratory is dedicated to understanding anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a highly aggressive tumor that shows resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, resulting in a very poor prognosis. Although progress has been achieved with kinases inhibitors and immunotherapy, tumor cells inevitably develop resistance to these treatments. The lab specializes in exploring novel signaling pathways that enable tumor progression and metastasis despite therapeutic interventions. Among these, the p38 pathway is a key area of study, though other pathways and mechanisms are also under active investigation.

This position will focus on exploring novel mechanisms identified through transcriptomic and proteomic analyses that may play a role in initiating ATC oncogenesis and driving treatment resistance. This also includes studying and gaining a deeper understanding of the ATC tumor cell microenvironment under therapies.

The postdoctoral fellow will work under the mentorship of Dr. Hofmann, conducting independent research using both in vivo and in vitro models. Key responsibilities will include:

• Designing and performing experiments aimed at understanding pathway dysregulation and development of resistance to kinase inhibitors in anaplastic thyroid cancer, potentially leading to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway to inhibit tumor growth.

• Utilizing advanced DNA, RNA, and protein methodologies to ensure experimental efficiency and potentially novel research directions.

• Interpreting research results, summarizing data, and drawing scientific conclusions.

• Presenting research findings at lab meetings and external scientific conferences.

• Contributing to high-quality scientific publications and drafting grant applications.

• Collaborating with lab members and external partners to advance research objectives.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

The fellowship aims to provide the trainee with a comprehensive understanding of the biology and pathology of kinase inhibitor resistance in anaplastic thyroid cancer, with a particular focus on the following:

• Mechanisms of the p38 pathway: Understanding the molecular pathology of thyroid cancers and the development of resistance to kinase inhibitors.

• Development of molecular targeted therapies in anaplastic thyroid cancer including the review of additional kinase inhibitors as well as the development of redifferentiation therapies.

• Technical skill development: Gaining hands-on experience with molecular techniques available in the Hofmann lab and the MD Anderson Cancer Center Cores.

• Hypothesis formulation and testing: Developing and validating scientific hypotheses through experimental design and valuable data.

• Scientific communication: Enhancing skills in presenting findings through written publications, oral presentations, and grant writing, to translate research discoveries into clinical applications.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must hold a recent Ph.D. or MD. degree in a field relevant to cancer research, molecular biology, physiology, or a related discipline.

The candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to full-time laboratory research, with aspirations toward an independent academic or research career.

Please note, that this appointment is for research training purposes only and does not include any clinical responsibilities. Candidates with an M.D. or equivalent are not permitted to participate in patient care activities during the fellowship.

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 recognition12/30/2024