Postdoctoral Fellow - CAGT - Suzuki Lab

The renowned Center for Cell and Gene Therapy at Houston Methodist is seeking a highly qualified postdoctoral fellow to work in the laboratory of Dr. Masataka Suzuki. The laboratory’s research focuses on cancer immunotherapies using adenoviral vectors to improve the treatment of various solid tumors. Dr. Suzuki's lab is currently evaluating his adenoviral vector in a clinical trial, and the hired postdoctoral fellow will be instrumental in further developing our immunotherapy, especially for adenoviral platform, for bench-to-bedside translation. Applicants should have successfully earned an Ph.D., M.D., or M.D./Ph.D. and should have a strong background and experiences in oncolytic viral cancer gene therapy. Applicants who have a strong background of adenovirus virology or vectorology are preferred. Applicants also have excellent communication skills and be willing to work on a multidisciplinary team. Highly motivated candidates with experience in small animal studies, molecular and cellular techniques, writing and working independently will be considered. Competitive salary and benefits will be determined based on the candidate’s experience.

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 – Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 – NonePostdoctoral Fellow 1 – One year of Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 2 – Two years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 3 – Three years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 4 – Four years’ Postdoc experience

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists the physician in maintaining the functionality and operations of the Principal Investigator’s (PI) laboratory.

• Promotes a positive work environment and leads the team to be dynamic and a focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with all members of the department by actively communicating and reporting data in a comprehensive manner.

• Role models to team members effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication, which includes active listening and teaching, assisting in development of such skills.

• Provides contributions towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develops research methods and performs research activities.

• Documents research results and writes reports of results for presentation and/or publication in professional journals and other publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follows all safety rules while on the job. Reports accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.

• Assists with implementation and education of department-based safety initiatives, standards of practice and protocols. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes.

• Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting department and laboratory targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Utilizes resources effectively and efficiently, demonstrating responsible financial stewardship. Manages own time effectively and prioritizes work to achieve maximum results in a timely manner.

• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in pertinent research activities and evidenced-based practice projects. Participates in departmental projects and activities. Acts as a change agent.

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Remains current on professional issues and clinical skills. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No

• Scrubs: Yes

• Business professional: No

• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**

Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No

• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 – Doctor of Medicine (MD) from an accredited medical school or Terminal Degree in a related field (A letter from the academic institution certifying that all student work is complete will be considered for Postdoctoral Fellow 0 only.)

EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 – NonePostdoctoral Fellow 1 – One year of Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 2 – Two years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 3 – Three years’ Postdoc experiencePostdoctoral Fellow 4 – Four years’ Postdoc experience

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care. Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs. Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports clinical research protocols and extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.