Research Investigator - Structural Chemistry

Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.

The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around four platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) and the Neurodegeneration Consortium.

The IACS platform is focused on discovering and developing the next generation of small-molecule targeted therapies, driven by the needs we see in our patients. The team aligns world-class drug discovery and development research with the science and clinical care for which MD Anderson is known. We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.

We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to become a part of our team. As part of the IACS team the Research Investigator, Structural Chemistry will be responsible for producing proteins to enable X-ray crystallography and structure-based drug discovery, and support in vitro screening efforts. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in protein expression from baculovirus and protein biophysical characterization techniques.

Key Functions

1. Conduct test expression experiments to identify optimal expression system (eg. E. coli, insect cell, mammalian) and conditions for protein production.

2. Conduct laboratory experiments to express, purify, and characterize recombinant proteins for use in biophysical and in vitro assays, as well as crystallization trials.

3. Troubleshoot protein purification issues in order to obtain high-quality protein at desired yield.

4. Perform protein characterization experiments using a variety of biophysical techniques including isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning fluorimetry, microscale thermophoresis, and dynamic light scattering.

5. Coordinate protein production outsourcing to external vendors and contract research organizations.

6. Participate in integrated drug discovery research activities by engaging with scientists of different disciplines.

7. Employ safe lab practices

8. Maintain research records and laboratory notes.

Education
Required: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.

Preferred: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.

Experience

Required: Four years experience of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, no experience required.

Preferred: Strong knowledge of contemporary protein expression and purification techniques. Experience with insect cell and bacterial expression is a necessity, and mammalian expression systems is preferred but not required. A demonstrated track record of delivering crystallography-grade protein. Experience with protein crystallization and running biophysical assays is valuable, but not necessary.

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