Postdoctoral Fellow, Pancreatic Cancer, Livestrong Cancer Institutes/Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School

Job Posting Title:

Postdoctoral Fellow, Pancreatic Cancer, Livestrong Cancer Institutes/Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School

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Hiring Department:

Dell Medical School

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 31, 2025

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The Livestrong Cancer Institutes of the Dell Medical School have a simple yet powerful mission: to rethink the full range of cancer care and research, from prevention to diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and end-of-life care — all with a focus on the patient’s needs, values and preferences. Embedded within The University of Texas at Austin, a top-tier research institution, the Livestrong Cancer Institutes are positioned to become a renowned center for technologies and models that strengthen the fight against cancer. Closely affiliated with the Livestrong Cancer Institutes is the Department of Oncology, which aims to advance care — and improve health outcomes — through a patient-centered enterprise strategy developed in partnership with the Central Texas cancer care community.

The Matsui cancer research program merges cancer, stem cell, and developmental biology to better understand tumor initiation, regrowth, and spread. We have identified the determinants of self-renewal in both blood (multiple myeloma, leukemia) and solid (pancreas) that include signaling pathways directing embryonic development.  We have also carried out translational research and have developed several novel treatment approaches in the laboratory that have been subsequently tested in patients in the form of novel clinical trials. This research is led by William Matsui, MD, Professor of Oncology at the Livestrong Cancer Institutes in Dell Medical School at The University of Texas of Austin. 

The Aung cancer research program encompasses both preclinical and clinical translational research in pancreatic cancer. The current pre-clinical laboratory studies focus on elucidating the effects of drug treatments on tumor and tumor microenvironment including changes in immune contexture using innovative in vitro and in vivo models as well as patient derived clinical samples. One main theme is harnessing biological pathways by using novel strategies to increase the immunogenicity of pancreatic cancer cells to overcome immunotherapy resistance in pancreatic cancer. This research is led by Kyaw Aung, MD PhD, Assistant Professor of Oncology at Livestrong Cancer Institutes in Dell Medical School at The University of Texas of Austin. 

We seek a postdoctoral fellow to carry out research mainly focusing on pancreatic cancer in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with world-class experts and state-of-the-art technologies. Prior research experience in pancreatic cancer and immunology is highly desirable but not necessary.

One year assignment which can be renewed on an annual basis up to a total of five years. Previous time in a postdoctoral fellow position (whether paid or unpaid) at the University or at any other university counts towards this time limitation (unless the area or discipline changes).

Purpose

Carry out research mainly focusing on pancreatic cancer in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with world-class experts and state-of-the-art technologies.

Responsibilities

• Carry out primary research investigating cellular mechanisms responsible for self-renewal, and immune resistance and response in cancer systems.  These projects may utilize genetically engineered mouse models of cancer, established cell lines, and patient derived clinical specimens.  Experimental approaches will include basic cell and molecular biology technique.

• Publish manuscripts, write and edit grants, progress reports.

• Participate in the design of a project.  Lead a research effort in the direction set forth by the PI and the specific project.

• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. degree in cell biology, cancer biology, immunology, or relevant fields. PhD must be received within that last three years. To ensure alignment, we follow these fundamental values: https://dellmed.utexas.edu/culture . The successful candidate should have excellent communications skills, leadership abilities, and possess the highest ethical standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with in vitro and in vivo preclinical drug testing, immunology, CRISPR screens, cancer genomics, and next-generation sequencing analysis.

Salary Range

$56,484 + depending on NIH level and qualifications

Working Conditions

• May work around chemical fumes.

• May work around standard office conditions.

• May work around chemicals.

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

• Letter of interest

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer , complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
• E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031 .

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.