Research Scientist - Cancer Biology (Neurodegenerative Disorders)

The Cancer Biology department has a long history of being a leader in the field of basic and translational cancer biology research. The department emphasizes the training of students, postdoctoral fellows and clinical fellows in the fundamentals of tumor biology to improve the outcomes of patients with malignancies.

Cancer Biology

Our laboratory studies molecular mechanisms of genome instability using molecular and exciting novel mouse models for analysis and prediction of disease development and testing of targeted therapy strategies.

The primary purpose of the Senior Research Assistant is to breed and maintain mouse colonies, perform and assist with animal studies including but not limited to blood draw, drug and/or cell injections, anatomical measurements, tissue harvesting and processing downstream.

KEY FUNCTIONS

Specific Expertise

• The candidate must demonstrate expertise in neuroscience, which may include a focus on neurodegenerative disorders, central and peripheral neuropathies, synapse biology, or brain tumor.
• Maintains animal safety standards and protocols, as well as for training other personnel in animal techniques.

Research Design and implementation

• Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and participates in scientific research projects.
• The candidate must demonstrate working knowledge of large-scale mammalian cell culture, transfection of cells, and quality assessment of cellular products.

Reviews Research Results

• Assigns and reviews work of subordinates, determines specific goals or objectives to be attained, evaluates resulting research data and revises techniques or approaches to work problems.
• Ensures the appropriate capture and maintenance of scientific records.

Maintains Equipment

• Supervises the design, development or adapting of equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.
• Plans and supervises the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment and safety procedures.

Writes Reports

• Compiles, writes and submits reports to superior.

Data Analysis

• Analyzes and evaluates research data and revises techniques and approaches to work problems. Works with the Principal Investigator on projects in the area of glioma stem cells (GSCs) in malignant glioma (glioblastoma).
• Participates in adopting new techniques and learning new skills to enhance research efforts.

Education

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.

Preferred: Proficiency with standard molecular techniques and tissue cell culture. Understanding of hematological or metabolic disorders and cancer.

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