Postdoctoral Fellow 2

Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Postdoctoral Fellow position is responsible for performing basic research duties under the supervision/direction of a Physician (Principal Investigator). This position may work in a laboratory setting or may consist of computer work that supports the department's research mission.

The Altamirano lab at Houston Methodist Research Institute offers a Postdoctoral position focused on studying molecular mechanisms driving cardiovascular diseases and arrhythmias. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite efforts to treat arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or slow down the progression of heart failure, these diseases are on the rise worldwide. Our lab uses a unique multidisciplinary approach to study molecular mechanisms driving cardiac disease. We combine multiple approaches, including small and large animal models, newer technologies, such as engineered heart tissues made of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, and clinical research (in collaboration with Dr. Valderrábano). Our lab is funded by two NIH R01s and the Houston Methodist Cornerstone Award.

Please send CV, cover letter, and contact information for 3 references to

Our main research areas are:

Project 1: This project investigates cardiac dysfunction in Autosomal Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). It challenges the traditional view that cardiac disease in ADPKD arise from renal impairment, proposing instead that heart disease originates in cardiomyocytes and occurs before renal failure. Evidence includes the presence of ventricular dysfunction in ADPKD patients prior to renal failure, even in non-hypertensive cases. The project focuses on mutations in Polycystin-1 (PC1), found in cardiomyocytes of 85% of ADPKD patients. Preliminary data indicates that these mutations disrupt cardiac function, as seen in mouse models showing altered calcium handling and contractility, leading to heart disease independent of kidney failure. This project aims to uncover how PC1 mutations affect cardiac function, in the context of comorbidities such as hypertension and end-stage renal disease.

Project 2: This project is co-led by Dr. Valderrábano and Dr. Altamirano (2023 to It explores the role of the cardiac nervous autonomic system in Atrial Fibrillation (AF), particularly triggered by sleep apnea. The project builds on the discovery that the cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) responds to apnea, affecting AF initiation and progression. The study aims to understand CANS's role in human AF, evaluate CANS-targeting therapies in animal models, and investigate molecular mechanisms in bi- and tri-dimensional cultures of hiPSC-derived atrial cardiomyocytes and neurons.

Responsibilities

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.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

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.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Postdoctoral Fellow 0 - None
• Postdoctoral Fellow 1 - One year of Postdoc experience
• Postdoctoral Fellow 2 - Two years' Postdoc experience
• Postdoctoral Fellow 3 - Three years' Postdoc experience
• Postdoctoral Fellow 4 - Four years' Postdoc experience

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, 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

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

Company Profile

Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.