Research Scientist - MOSAIC Project

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Scientist position is to apply technical histopathology expertise in the Immunoprofiling Laboratory of the Translational Molecular Pathology Department (TMP-IL) for cancer immunoprofiling studies under the MOSAIC program. MOSAIC is dedicated to collecting, integrating, managing and enriching the combined data and samples from at least 10,000 cancer patients at MD Anderson. Patient Mosaic will lead to the development of better insights for improving health outcomes for individual patients and, more broadly, all patients with cancer. The research scientist will develop carry out the scientific projects, data management, data analysis and interpretation as well as scientific communications of findings in meetings and peer review journals.

CORE VALUES

Caring Behaviors

• Courtesy: Is respectful and courteous to each other at all times.
• Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork and inclusiveness; is sensitive to the concerns of our patients and our co-workers.

Integrity Behaviors

• Reliability: Communicates frequently, honestly and openly.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our values.
• Safety: Models safe behavior (wears badge and personal protective equipment, washes hands, and keeps work area clean and orderly); Notices a safety concern or emergency, understands role and uses proper procedures to report it; Mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices; Demonstrates ethical and personal responsibility in work and behavior

Discovery Behaviors

• Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and new ideas.
• Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Lab-Specific Technicality
1. Develop and perform scientific research projects in the area of immunoprofiling assays, provide technical expertise on standard immunohistochemistry (IHC), and develop novel tissue based techniques for clinical research including but not limited to RNAscope or GeoMx Digital Spatial profiler.
2. Work with users at all levels to identify potential solutions and develop analytical pipelines that helps enhance productivity of workflows.
3. Coordinate with end users to perform analysis of requirements and develop prototypes for new analytical technologies.
4. Develop scientific approach when bridging the gap from human to mouse models.
5. Identify and develop laboratory methods for quality controls of IHC, RNAscope, FISH and other Platforms, including GeoMx DSP
7. Coordinate and develop Standard of Procedures (SOP) as needed.
8. Work with Vendors to implement new methodologies (workflow and integration) utilizing institutional resources and systems.

Data Analysis and Management
1. Provides technical expertise to design and develop research projects in an independent manner. Compiles analysis generated, records results in concordance with standard methodology of TMP-IL, and submits results to the director of the IHC Laboratory of TMP-IL.
2. Work with PI and other key researchers and scientists to develop scientific content for analysis and reporting.
3. Work with scientists and lab personnel to ensure reporting features, data incorporations, and team functions are available and accurate.

Laboratory Supervision 1. Plan and supervise the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, laboratory information systems, SOPs, and safety procedures.
2. Build a team of scientists that will respond to emerging objectives of the PI, and those of key collaborators.
3. Assigns and reviews work of assigned laboratory personnel, guides them to setting specific goals or objectives to be attained, evaluates their performance and reporting, and revises approaches as needed.
4. Develops project initiatives, project reports, and workflows implementation.
5. Work with Laboratory equipment vendors to troubleshoot and/or repair defective or not optimal equipment.

Research Administration 1. Assists the PI in preparation of manuscripts and grant applications. Compiles, writes and submits reports to be submitted to various requestors.
2. Assist with the development of clinical protocols that align with research studies and Information Services.
3. Present proposed solutions to development team and seek buy in from all relevant parties.
4. Facilitate and coordinates the smooth flow of communication by acting as a liaison.

Other duties as assigned

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. 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