The McAllister Laboratory focuses on understanding the complex interactions between the immune system, microbes, and tumor behavior, with the ultimate goal of improving cancer prevention and treatment. We employ a range of advanced models, including genetically engineered and orthotopic mouse models, bone marrow chimeric animals, and in vitro interactive systems, paired with cutting-edge technologies like flow cytometry, CyTOF, Immunoplex, single-cell sequencing, and various imaging methods. The lab has made key contributions to T cell immunobiology, including the characterization of IL-17-secreting immune cells in the initiation and progression of pancreatic and colorectal cancers. We have also demonstrated the significant role of the gut-tumor microbial axis in modulating the tumor microenvironment, using human-into-mice fecal microbial transplantation. Our work is further supported by a human microbial biobank from healthy individuals, cancer patients, and high-risk individuals, enabling us to translate basic discoveries into clinically relevant insights. Research Projects: Postdoctoral fellows will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research exploring the interplay between the immune system, microbes, and tumor behavior using advanced mouse models and innovative molecular biology technologies. They will contribute to the lab's ongoing studies on the immune modulation on the gut-tumor microbial axis, with a focus on cancer initiation, progression, and therapy response. The applicant will also work towards dissecting the influence of the gut microbiome on immune modulation and therapy response in different tumor subtypes based on microsatellite instability status, which could potentially reveal novel therapeutic targets. Additionally, they will have the chance to collaborate on translating basic science into clinical trials, contributing to groundbreaking research with real-world impact. **LEARNING OBJECTIVES** As a postdoc, you will: 1. The postdoc will have the opportunity to design, organize, and coordinate scientific research projects focused on advancing immune and microbial based techniques for studying the interplay between the immune system, microbes, and tumor behavior in preclinical mouse models. 2. The postdoc will have the opportunity to troubleshoot experiments, improve research methods and revise approaches by working with next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis tools, epigenetic research, including DNA methylation and ChIP-Seq, as well as single cell and microbial sequencing. 3. The postdoc will learn to collect, analyze, and evaluate research data using appropriate software applications, write and submit reports to Principal Investigator, and perform presentations at scientific meetings and conferences. **ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS** 1. Strong background in genomic and transcriptomic analysis. The candidate must have extensive experience in NGS data analysis, RNA-seq, and epigenetic profiling (DNA methylation and ChIP-Seq) for studying tumor immunology and microbial interactions in cancer research. 2. Expertise in genetically engineered models and advanced molecular techniques. The candidate must have previous work experience with generating genetically engineered murine models and utilizing advanced tools like CRISPR, plasmid cloning, and lentiviral transduction. 3. Proficiency in computational tools and data analysis. The postdoctoral fellow will be expected to demonstrate skills in statistical modeling (R, GraphPad), Python coding, and integrating computational approaches with experimental validation, in order to analyze large-scale biological datasets and contribute to complex cancer research projects. **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 recognition03/05/2025