Summary

The Zhao Lab is a newly established research group at the Lester & Sue Smith Breast Center and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. mRNA abundance correlates poorly with protein output, yet translational regulation remains one of the most understudied layers of cancer biology. Led by Dr. Na Zhao, the lab studies selective mRNA translation drives cancer progression, shapes the tumor immune ecosystem, and creates therapeutic vulnerabilities in primary tumor and metastatic disease.
The lab combines ribosome profiling, spatial and single-cell omics, immunocompetent mouse tumor models, patient-derived xenografts, and clinical samples to map translation dependencies across tumor evolution. Currently work on the RNA helicase eIF4A has supported the initiation of a clinical trial. The lab is currently funded by NCI, CPRIT, the Susan G. Komen, METAvivor, and Mary Kay Ash Foundation.

Baylor College of Medicine typically follows similar to the NIH stipulated stipend guidelines for Postdoctoral Associates.

Job Duties

• Designs, executes, and troubleshoots experiments using cell lines, organoids, and immunocompetent mouse tumor models.
• Performs standard molecular and cellular biology techniques (cloning, qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, IHC).
• Conducts specialized translation-focused assays such as ribosome profiling, polysome profiling, and reporter-based translation assays.
• Maintains accurate, organized lab notes and contributes to data management and reagent records.
• Analyzes, interprets, and presents data at lab meetings, internal seminars, and external conferences.
• Contributes to manuscript preparation, figures assembly, and grant and fellowship applications.
• Helps mentor graduate and undergraduate students and supports a collaborative, rigorous lab culture.
• Provides technical guidance, work direction and training to other lab members on areas of expertise.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• MD or Ph.D. in Basic Science, Health Science, or a related field.
• No experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, immunology, or a related field.
• Recent PhD graduates or have completed their PhD within the last three years at the time of application.
• At least one first-author publication (published or in revision).
• Strong presentation skills and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small, collaborative team.