Job Description
Job Description: The Hanigan Lab ( in the Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Houston, College of Pharmacy, is seeking motivated postdoctoral fellows to join our growing team. The Hanigan lab focuses on identifying novel cancer vulnerabilities resulting from the collateral amplification or deletion of metabolic enzymes during tumorigenesis and drug resistance. Given that many of these enzymes are implicated in recessive metabolic disorders, they represent potential targets for both cancer and metabolic disease. Based on this model, we have developed inhibitors of a mitochondrial enzyme with selective efficacy in NKX2-1 amplified lung cancer, and identified potential metabolic vulnerabilities due to PTEN deletion in prostate and CNS cancers. The lab uses both target oriented and phenotypic drug discovery approaches, with projects ranging from medicinal chemistry and diversity oriented synthesis, to development of novel models of structural variation, systems pharmacology, high-content phenotypic screening and target identification using chemical proteomics and forward genetics.
We offer competitive salaries, a blend of academic freedom and industrial efficiency, and customized professional and career growth. This includes access to grant writing workshops, teaching and mentoring opportunities, non-research career advancement programs, professional development allowance, and access to a host of equipment including a liquid handler, high-content imager, high resolution mass spectrometers (Thermo Exploris 480 and Sciex 5500), NMR facilities, preparative HPLC, automated flash chromatography, HPC cluster, and biolayer interferometer. Postdoctoral fellows are encouraged to develop personal projects and are welcome (but not required) to submit their own grant proposals. For an overview of our research facilities, please take the PPS Laboratory Tour ( and visit the UHCOP Core Laboratory website (
Minimum Qualifications Degree: PhD in Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Cancer/Cell Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmaceutical Analysis or other relevant field.
Individuals with a strong publication record that are motivated to perform high quality, rigorous research and publish impactful papers are encouraged to apply.
Preferred Qualifications: •Experience in cell & molecular biology, biochemistry, forward genetics, confocal/high-content imaging,
proteomics , bioinformatics, and target identification.
•Programming skills in python or another computer language is a plus.
•Experience in mouse handling and tumor xenograft models is a plus.
•Effective communication, ability to work independently and collaboratively, and willingness to learn new skills needed to complete research projects, are required.
•Track record of productivity (publications) from Ph.D. is a plus.
Salary : Commensurate w/experience Application Instructions: Candidates should cover letter summarizing research interests and how you might fit into one or more of the ongoing lab projects (see Hanigan-lab.org/research), a CV with a publication list and names/contact information for at least two references (preferably in a single PDF) to
[email protected]. Additionally, please visit and apply under staff position STA013381. Candidates must take both actions to be considered.
Application Instructions: Candidates should cover letter summarizing research interests and how you might fit into one or more of the ongoing lab projects (see Hanigan-lab.org/research), a CV with a publication list and names/contact information for at least two references (preferably in a single PDF) to
[email protected]. Additionally, please visit and apply under staff position STA013381. Candidates must take both actions to be considered.
Additional Job Posting Information: •Possesses, understands, and applies a comprehensive knowledge in area of specialization. Develops understanding and skills to allow for completion of assignments that cross fields of specialization. Develops leadership and management skills.
•Receives/Reviews progress and evaluates results of experiments or projects under control or supervisory responsibility.
•Recommends changes in research, testing or experimental procedures.
•May be responsible for a single highly technical and complex piece of research equipment.
•May review and evaluate the effectiveness of personnel.
•May plan for and assign personnel to projects under control.
•Operates with latitude for unreviewed action.
•May receive general supervision conferring with higher levels only in unusual situations.
•Performs other job-related duties as required.
The University of Houston is a Carnegie-Designated Tier 1 public research university and a member institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center which houses major academic research programs in cancer, genetics, and neuroscience with a significant focus on translational research. In addition, the University is a designated Hispanic Serving Institution and is recognized as one of the nation's most racially and ethnically diverse research institutions. Houston is an international and multicultural city, and the University reflects this diversity. The University of Houston is also responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.
The University of Houston is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The policy of the University of Houston System and its universities is to ensure equal opportunity in all its educational programs and activities, and all terms and conditions of employment without regard to age, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, ethnicity, military status, genetic information, sex (including gender and pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or status, or gender expression, except where such a distinction is required by law.
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