Job Information
MD Anderson Cancer Center Postdoctoral Fellow - Pediatrics (Gorlick Lab) in Houston, Texas
The Postdoctoral fellow will optimize ADCs by testing different antibodies and chemotherapy drugs to ensure they are effective and safe. Using patient-derived tumor models in mice, he/she will assess the efficacy and safety of these treatments by measuring tumor growth and monitoring side effects. This research aims to provide new, more effective treatment options for osteosarcoma patients with limited current choices, while also expanding our understanding of CADM1's role in cancer biology and identifying potential new targets for therapy.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
The Postdoctoral fellow will focus on developing new treatments for osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that primarily affects young people. His/her work will involve creating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting CADM1, a protein found in osteosarcoma cells.
The research will be divided into three main projects:
- Characterization of CADM1 ADCs:
•Evaluate cytotoxicity and internalization
•Study intracellular ADC trafficking using confocal and super-resolution microscopy
•Conduct toxicity studies with PET tracing and IHC staining
•Use knockout models and mass spectrometry to assess CADM1 surface expression relevance
•Analyze mass spec data to predict interacting partners and uncover resistance mechanisms
•Examine Fc receptor binding and glycosylation for immunomodulation insights
•Select the ADC with the highest therapeutic ratio
•Identify effective designs for bispecific ADC development
•Explore other CADM1-expressing disease models
- Understanding CADM1's role in osteosarcoma:
•Analyze patient samples to correlate CADM1 expression with prognosis and disease characteristics
•Use knockout and/or knockin models to study CADM1's immune role
•Perform coculture experiments with immune cells
- Identification of potential targets in osteosarcoma:
•Study resistant models to discover new therapeutic targets
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
PhD in basic sciences
POSITION INFORMATION
MD Anderson offers full-time postdoc positions with a salary ranging from $64,000 to $76,000 (https://trainees.mdanderson.org/apply/mdaPostdoctoralFellowStipendFY24.pdf) . depending on the number of years of postgraduate experience. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits (https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits/insurance-0/eligibility) , including medical, dental, paid time off (https://www.mdanderson.org/about-md-anderson/employee-resources/leave.html) , retirement (https://www.utsystem.edu/offices/employee-benefits/ut-retirement-program/voluntary-retirement-programs) , tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition04/01/2025