New postdoctoral positions are open in a cancer research laboratory located within The University of Texas at El Paso. The lab currently studies bacterial-host interactions in the context of the tumor microenvironment. Previously, we found that a handful of bacteria species, mostly anaerobic, can colonize distinctive microniches in the tumor tissue from gastrointestinal cancers. These microniches are characterized to be hypoxic and largely immunosuppressive with an increased myeloid infiltration and T cell exclusion. Cancer cells that reside in the microniches infected with bacteria exhibit more aggressive gene signatures with the capacity to invade and disseminate the surrounding environment. In a recent work, we have demonstrated that bacteria can directly interact with cancer cells altering their biological behaviors causing cell dormancy and resistance to chemotherapies. The prospect postdoc will discover the adhesive molecules that allow intratumoral bacteria to attach and invade epithelial cells, resulting in more aggressive cancer phenotypes.
The putative postdoc researcher will have the opportunity to work in an inclusive, collaborative and interdisciplinary environment with the implementation of state-of-the-art techniques such as single-cell RNA seq, spatial transcriptomics, metagenomics and functional cell biology assays. The lab also offers strong collaboration with investigators at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.
Qualified candidates should have a strong background in one or more of the following areas: Structural biology, Cryo-EM, Biochemistry, mass spectrometry and protein-protein binding assays. We prefer candidates who are about to graduate with a PhD or equivalent or have graduated within the last 12 months. A track record of excellent first author publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals during PhD training is essential. The pay scale follows NIH guidelines.
The recruited postdoc will have the responsibility to conduct research projects independently, apply for fellowships, develop collaborations with other faculty members at UTEP and neighboring institutions, assist in mentoring graduate student and utilize share resources facilities as needed.
The University of Texas at El Paso is America's leading Hispanic-serving university and a R1 research-intensive institution at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region. Join our lab to explore El Paso, a vibrant city with stunning sunsets and rich culture. It is known for outdoors activities including rock climbing, hiking, skydiving and mountain biking. El Paso offers an affordable standard of living with amazing food and an escape for artists.
The interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to:

[email protected]