Research Scientist - Microbiome

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The primary purpose of the Research Scientist is to plan, organize, coordinate, direct and participate in scientific research projects and to provide technical assistance in carrying out various research projects for the Microbiome Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) developing core facility under the Directorship of Dr. Robert Jenq, MD and co-Directorship of Dr. Samuel Shelburne, MD. We are seeking a highly motivated enthusiastic person to help a primary investigator/clinician in a new core facility designed to address an unmet need in the institution with numerous opportunities to learn cutting-edge cancer research and carry out various research projects and assist in managing clinical specimens, clinical data, as well as animal experiments.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Direct microbiome research projects in research laboratory
• Construct next-generation library and perform Illumina sequencing run.
• Apply the expertise and experience to plan, organize, coordinate, and conduct experiments that require knowledge of molecular biology, PCR, cell-based assays, qPCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, and tissue cell culture techniques.
• Isolate DNA and RNA and quantify using standard molecular methods.
• Conduct mouse experiment and carry out research projects to translate basic science discoveries towards therapeutic treatment.
• Process patient and mouse fecal samples in the anaerobic chamber or fume hood for microbiome assays.
• These tasks will require strong organizational skills, innovative thinking, diligent execution of experimental procedures and interpretation skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills including the ability to learn new assays quickly and design new protocol.
• Maintain, support shared tools, and data sets. Performs routine data analysis and reporting. Document experimental results and maintain an organized laboratory notebook. Record and interpret data obtained in accordance with methods requested.
• All conducted projects require review literature, experimental design, alternative approaches, organization, time-line, coordination, data interpretation, future directions and compiles, writes and submits report to supervisor.
• This person will particularly need research and interpersonal skills to work with basic research scientists, trainees including medical oncology fellows, as well as clinicians for patient-based sample acquisition, processing, and analyses as a part of very dynamic translational research team.
• Participate in laboratory meetings to present research findings to colleagues. Attend to academic conferences or meetings for oral or visual production of posters.
• Supervises, mentors, and counsels trainees and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment and safety procedures. Guide, teach and supervise technicians to accomplish research or other laboratory duties.

Work closely with other staff members

- Maintain good working relationship with other researchers and technicians
- Train and supervise other personnel in sequencing techniques, and maintain internal databases

Working Conditions

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

______ No

___X__ Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to radiation

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Exposure to animals

_____ No

___x___ Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

X

10lbs to 50 lbs

X

More than 50 lbs

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

X

10lbs to 50 lbs

X

More than 50 lbs

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

Eductation

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

Experience

Required: With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Ideal Candidate:

Experience in next-generation sequencing and NGS data analysis are highly preferred. Knowledge of microbiome or cancer biology is preferred.
Must be highly motivated, reliable, responsible, well organized and a careful record keeper with good attention to details.
Excellent communication skills are required as well as the ability to work well in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment.

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