Research Scientist-chemical synthesis procedures & chemical characterization

The ideal candidate will have experience with many types of chemical synthesis procedures, and chemical characterization methods. Experience with biochemical and cell-based research studies is also preferred.

MISSION STATEMENT
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 .

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of this position is to perform molecular imaging research in a research program of a professor in the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, and to support collaborators who are performing biomedical imaging studies. The incumbent will apply his/her technical expertise and scientific background to develop and test contrast agents for molecular imaging. The incumbent will evaluate the progress of projects from initial planning to completion. He/She will create innovative solutions involving chemical and biochemical methods for research initiatives. He/She will work with laboratory personnel to enhance multi-disciplinary departmental collaborations. The position will maintain professional and cooperative relationships with business partners, administrators, research scientists/investigators, and other academic professionals to ensure efficient communication, follow-thorough, and coordination of scientific short/long range goals.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Research Planning Executes research initiatives and provides oversight of chemical syntheses and characterizations of molecular imaging contrast agents.
Coordinate, implement, and evaluate the various activities, functions, and procedures involving chemical synthesis within the research laboratory.
Assists in the effective operations of chemical synthesis activities within imaging projects as required.
Utilize various computer systems and databases to enter, retrieve, compile data and prepare reports for review.
Establish and maintain research collaborations with academic researchers, biotech and pharmaceutical firms in correlation with image analysis projects.
Actively participates in preparing presentations and peer-reviewed publications, abstracts and manuscripts related to research outcomes.
Participate in preparing scientific portions of grant applications

Research Management Implement, review and report on chemical synthesis and characterization plans, ensuring the strategic objectives are well understood and executed by research colleagues.
Actively engage, cultivate and manage collaborative relationships to ensure efficient execution and achievement of milestones with regard to the development of molecular imaging contrast agents.
Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards and enforce policies and procedures with regard to chemical synthesis.

Scientific Operations Collaborate with a variety of faculty, staff, physicians, both internally and externally, as well as being a driver for industry collaborations, with regard to the synthesis and characterizations of molecular imaging contrast agents.
Develop metrics to measure and report upon research outcomes for experimental and/or new research initiatives that involve the synthesis and characterizations of molecular imaging contrast agents.
Collaborate with Regulatory and QA officials to define best practices and implement certification and compliance as applicable for the synthesis and characterizations of molecular imaging contrast agents.

Required Education: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Preferred Education: Post-Doctorate

Preferred Experience: With preferred PhD, four years of required experience in chemistry research, or research in a related discipline that involves chemistry. With Masters' degree, 10 years of required experience in chemistry research, or research in a related discipline that involves chemistry.

Demonstrated experience with publications and scientific conferences is preferred, including a record of scientific publications and conference proceedings, as first-author and as co-author.

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