Institute Research Investigator - Lymphocyte Biology - ECLIPSE

ECLIPSE (Evolution of Cancer, Leukemia and Immunity Post Stem Cell Transplant) is a novel organization within the Therapeutics Discovery platform at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, with the mission of making MDACC and its partners recognized leaders in the identification and development of innovative immunooncology therapies that will cure all hematologic malignancies. Please see the website for further details:

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancermoonshots/research_platforms/eclipse.html

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated individual with a strong foundation in immunology and an understanding of molecular/cancer biology to evaluate the role of immune response in patients with hematological malignancies. The Institute Research Investigator will participate in cross-functional research using state-of-the-art molecular and bioinformatics techniques to identify unique tumor/immune specific micro-environmental cues that impact T-cell function, activation, differentiation and trafficking. The selected candidate will be expected to work full-time at the bench to translate their findings to the development of oncology therapeutics.

Key responsibilities

1. Independently design experiments and interpret results. Prioritize and manage multiple experiments in a timely and resource-effective manner to enable science-based go/no-go decision making. Report research findings at internal meetings.

2. Use standard in vitro and ex vivo immunological techniques (e.g. primary T cell isolation/culture, flow cytometry, ELISA/MSD assays, cytotoxicity assays) to identify and characterize immune cells that mediate responses in patients with advanced hematological malignancies

3. Use multiple "-omics" techniques to characterize

4. Collaborate with cancer biology and computational biology teams in ECLISPE on a discovery platform using high throughput multi-omic technologies, and apply scientific expertise in immunology to progress these programs in a multidisciplinary environment.

5. Keep abreast of current and emerging technological and scientific advancements in the field.

6. Demonstrate scientific excellence, quality work, and record keeping of experiments in a timely manner.

Education

Required: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.

Preferred: Ph.D. in Immunology, Cancer Biology, Virology or a related discipline from an accredited university.

Experience

Required: Six years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory With Master's degree, four years of required experience. With a PhD in a natural science or Medical degree, no experience required.

Preferred:

1.A firm foundation in cancer biology and/or immunology.

2.With a Master's degree, at least five years of additional relevant experience is required. For Ph.D. candidates, postdoctoral experience is preferred.

3.Expertise in standard immunological techniques (e.g. Cell culture, flow cytometry, functional assays, ELISA/MSD, etc.)

4.Expertise in standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (e.g. cloning, western blotting)

5.The following are highly preferred

a.Experience with cell engineering (e.g. lentiviral, CRISPR), and lentivirus production

b.Expertise in next generation sequencing techniques (e.g. 10X genomics, Illumina)

c.Experience in functional genomic screening

6.Proven track record of achievement via publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or patents.

7.Ability to work well under pressure and drive personal and team objectives that impact critical timelines is expected.

8.A flexible, collaborative attitude is essential for this position.

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