"Alerted.org

Dr. Casella's Laboratory of B Cell Biology and Nanotherapies is seeking a highly motivated Structural Biologist with expertise in Computational Biology to join our team at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will leverage RF diffusion, protein modeling, and energy interaction analyses to optimize Nanobodies and design de novo binders targeting cancer.

Antibody-based immunotherapies such as CAR T cells and T cell engagers have transformed cancer treatment. At MD Anderson-the largest cancer center in the world-we lead in clinical translation, with numerous antibody-based trials ongoing each year. Our lab focuses on the next frontier: developing therapeutics against both cell-surface and intracellular tumor antigens.

All duties and responsibilities are carried out in compliance with institutional policies, ethical research standards, and applicable federal and state regulations.

*LEARNING OBJECTIVES*

• Design and optimize Nanobody binders using AI-based structural modeling (e.g., AlphaFold, RF diffusion) to evaluate antigen interactions.

• Apply computational approaches to predict energy landscapes and improve binder affinity/specificity.

• Integrate and analyze single-cell sequencing datasets (scRNA-seq, ATAC-seq, BCR-seq) to inform target biology and guide therapeutic design.

• Collaborate closely with experimental scientists to support ongoing preclinical and translational projects.

*ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS*

• PhD in Structural Biology or related field.

• Strong background in protein modeling, molecular dynamics, or energy-based interaction prediction.

• Experience with AI/ML-based tools for structural biology is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with single-cell omics analysis (preferred but not required).

• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment.

• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

*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 recognition

Offsite work arrangements are subject to approval and may be modified or revoked at any time based on business needs, performance considerations, or regulatory requirements.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. [http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html](http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html)