Sr.Research Scientist

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 the Senior Research Scientist position is to manage complex research initiatives within the laboratory. The Senior Research Scientist functions in an independent manner to monitor progress of multiple research projects and review research activities of each of the personnel in the laboratory. The candidate develops and maintains research project schedules and detailed work plans to support the long- and short-range goals of the laboratory. The Senior Research Scientist is responsible for close management of project budgets, selects and manages laboratory personnel, reviews and evaluates research activity of the laboratory and research personnel. The Senior Research Scientist determines specific goals or objectives to be obtained, evaluates research data and develops and revises techniques or approaches to work problems. The candidate conducts experiments with the highest scientific integrity and efficiency and functions in a separate and independent manner in the design and initiation of research experiments. The Senior Research Scientist designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results and maintains standard research protocols and the animal protocols. The candidate is responsible for laboratory equipment and implementing safety procedures. The Senior Research Scientist presents findings of research projects to professional groups and prepares scientific documents for publication as well as evaluates research data, develops and writes scientific reports.

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: Notices a safety concern and brings it to someone's attention; Models safe behaviors (wears badge, washes hands, keeps work area clean and orderly)

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.

Key Functions

• Performs laboratory techniques and uses sophisticated laboratory equipment.
• Organizes, coordinates, and participates in scientific research projects after consultation with the Research Director of the John Dunn Laboratories.
• Interacts with the investigators, advises and guides on the best research approaches for their studies.
• Responsible for planning and executing studies with high intensity focused ultrasound affected by various interventions such as stress response, heat shock, and gene therapy.
• Develops and characterizes new research animal models of cancer.
• Utilizes high resolution imaging microscopy and flow cytometry to image in vivo and in vitro to image all cell death pathways.
• Perform quality control of all experimental protocols.
• Designs and performs experiments involving complex rodent surgeries.
• Writes, edits, and submits reports as needed, manuscripts to be published in peer-reviewed journals, abstracts; reviews the literature and plans studies; prepares and presents data for publication or scientific meetings; maintains current and accurate records of research data; and, obtains and distributes pertinent research materials/data.
• Prepares abstracts for scientific meetings and attend such meetings to exchange scientific data with other researchers.
• Proactively seeks opportunities to collaborate with investigators across MD Anderson on community-engaged research.
• Enter and maintain data from research activities in notebook/computer databases as appropriate.
• Isolation, characterization and propagation of stem cells. Design and guide experiments involving this line of research.
• Analyzes data using computer software/keyboard, visually proofread all data for accuracy to manually record in handwriting the results of experiments and to test the hypothesis of experiments.
• Communicates both verbally and in writing the results and progress of planned experiment s in the laboratory.
• Ensures that safety standards are maintained in the laboratory according to institutional requirements.
• Supervise research assistant(s). Train and review their research work and results for accuracy.
• Monitors and maintains supply inventory so that work flow is not negatively affected.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

• IC - Analytical Thinking:
  • Gather relevant information systematically;
  • Break down problems into simple components; and
  • Make sound decisions.
• IC - Build Relationships:
  • Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; and
  • Show sincere interest in others and their concerns.
• IC--Self-Adaptability:
  • Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.
• IC--Innovative Thinking:
  • Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions, and/or options.
• IC--Strategic Thinking:
  • Define strategic goals and issues clearly; apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.
• IC--Self-Motivation:
  • Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement.

Ph.D. in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree. Three 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