Institute Research Scientist - Biomarker and Pharmacodynamics

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 Institute Research Scientist, Biomarker and Pharmacodynamics, participates in cross-functional research to discover, validate and implement biomarker strategies for novel oncology therapeutic agents, and to advance these from preclinical studies into the clinic. He/She will be responsible for the development, preclinical validation and clinical deployment of biomarker assays for patient stratification, target engagement, and proof-of-biology. Such assays will be used to refine the selection of preclinical development candidates, and to support the translational development path for IACS' assets. This individual will be working closely with the cross-functional project teams while utilizing state-of-the-art technologies to validate, optimize and implement biomarker/PD assays to support preclinical and clinical development of multiple drug discovery programs.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Apply and implement state-of-the-art methods to evaluate candidate pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers in preclinical in vitro and in vivo models, develop biomarker assays, and select optimal assays for clinical evaluation.
2. Develop assays to quantify target-engagement &/or pharmacodynamic activities of IACS therapeutic assets.
3. Analyze and interpret complex biomarker datasets generated to identify candidate pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers, and to guide early clinical development.
4. Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with new technologies for biomarker discovery. Expertise with single/multiplex immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, flow cytometry, Nanostring, qRT-PCR, Western-blot, ELISA, AlphaLisa technologies is highly desirable.
5. Execute routine assays using multiple platforms, analyze data, monitor assay quality, troubleshoot, and release data to project team groups.
6. Cross-train and assist team members to maintain the group high productivity and mitigate risk.
7. Keep up with the scientific literature and actively participate in the project team meetings.
8. Work closely with project teams to conduct biomarker assays, write reports and other documents in support of regulatory filings (i.e. IND filings).
9. Work with collaborators and contract research organizations to transfer and qualify biomarker assays.
10. Employ safe lab practices.
11. Maintain a detailed and well-organized notebook.

EDUCATION:

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

Preferred: PhD in cancer biology, pharmacology or a related scientific discipline

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Six years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory With a PhD in a natural science or Medical degree, two years of required experience.

Preferred: Relevant industrial experience within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or equivalent, or post-doc training.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in relevant field (cell biology, pharmacology, cancer biology), a post-doctoral experience in related area, and drug discovery experience acquired within the pharmaceutical or biotech industry or equivalent. Hands-on experience with biomarker assay development, qualification, and implementation. Expertise in immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, flow cytometry, Nanostring, qRT-PCR, Western-blot, ELISA, AlphaLisa technologies is highly desirable. Experience in mentoring other scientists. Must be a team player, respectful of others, and have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Motivated, take initiative, and have the ability to work independently and effectively in a highly dynamic, fast-paced 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