Postdoctoral Scientist – Chemical Biology and/or Immunology to study infection immunity and cancer immunotherapy

Description

The Postdoctoral Scientist will join a multidisciplinary research team at Texas Biomedical Research Institute working at the intersection of metabolomics, lipidomics, immunology, and bacteriology. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative research focused on identifying bioactive metabolites, lipids, and natural products and translating these discoveries into potential therapeutic candidates for infectious diseases and cancer.

Our laboratory utilizes cutting-edge approaches, including mass spectrometry, chemical analysis and derivatization, multi-omics analyses, cell culture and imaging, protein expression, bacterial infection at BSL2 and BSL3 levels, and animal models, to identify mammalian and microbial metabolites that interact with protein receptors to stimulate immune responses. Current research focuses on identifying metabolites as T-cell antigens or protein ligands to stimulate protective immunity against tuberculosis and cancer.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary research aimed at understanding host-pathogen interactions and immune responses while advancing potential therapeutic candidates for infectious disease and cancer.

Research activities of successful candidates: 

• Design and conduct independent scientific research under the direction of a Faculty/Principal Investigator.
• Conduct research in metabolomics, lipidomics, chemical biology, immunology, bacteriology, infection immunity, and cancer therapeutics.
• Successfully identify mammalian and microbial metabolites, lipids, and natural products as potential T-cell antigens and protein ligands for immune activation.
• Generate and modify hypotheses based on literature analyses and experimental results.
• Carefully design and pursue experiments to test hypotheses and troubleshoot failed assays.
• Maintain accurate and complete experimental records in a timely manner.
• Summarize rationale, hypotheses, experimental design, results, conclusions, and future studies to present them to lab members and colleagues.
• Prepare abstracts, posters, or talks for conference presentations and write manuscripts for journal publications.
• Development of grant writing skills is encouraged. Preparing or assisting in preparing grant and contract applications may be required. 
• Participate in seminars and scientific meetings appropriate to the fields of interest.
• Collaborate with Faculty, scientists, and research staff across multidisciplinary research areas.
• Perform other duties important in scientific research.

Additional educational and training considerations 

• Education: Postdoctoral Scientist candidates must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DDS, DVM, or equivalent).
• Commit to and embody Texas Biomedical Research Institute’s Core Values of Teamwork, Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, and Safety (TIDES).
• Scientific Curiosity & Initiative: Self-motivated and enthusiastic about experimental design, assay development and performance, troubleshooting, and scientific discovery.
• Chemical Biology & Immunology: Demonstrated ability to apply scientific thinking to chemical biology and immunology research questions.
• Metabolomics & Mass Spectrometry: Experience with metabolite extraction for metabolomic profiling, structural identification, and functional characterization, including mass spectrometry and immunological assays.
• Molecular & Protein Sciences: Experience with gene cloning and protein expression to support the structural identification and characterization of metabolite ligands.
• Immunology & Microbiology: Experience performing immunology and microbiology assays for genotypic, phenotypic, and functional characterization.
• Translational Research: Experience with animal model studies and/or human specimen assays is highly desirable.
• Peer-Reviewed Publications: Multiple above training experience has been demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications. 

WHO WE ARE:

Join our incredible mission to pave the way for a world free from the fear of infectious disease and infection-related cancer! Texas Biomedical Research Institute is pioneering and sharing scientific research to protect people, families, and communities around the world from the threat of infectious diseases and associated cancer. Our discoveries create breakthroughs in medical research that advance diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies.

Texas Biomed is the only independent, nonprofit infectious disease research institute in the U.S. to combine:

• The highest-level biocontainment laboratories for infectious disease and biodefense research
• A federally designated National Primate Research Center
• More than 80 years of discoveries advancing diagnostics, vaccines, and therapies
• An entrepreneurial culture and specialized expertise in regulated science required for FDA approval

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:

• Employee-centered culture grounded in open communication, empowerment, and trust
• 100+ culture events each year to bring our team together
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Pet insurance options
• Competitive employer-funded retirement plan with 6% contributions starting on day one
• Generous paid time off, including 14 paid holidays and paid Winter Recess
• Paid parental leave
• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Flexible work arrangements supporting work-life balance
• On-site medical clinic and wellness programs
• On-site fitness center
• Relaxed dress code
• Professional development, mentorship, tuition reimbursement, and leadership opportunities

We take pride in fostering a culture of respect, opportunity, and unity. Texas Biomedical Research Institute provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.