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Institute Group Leader Biochemistry and Biophysics

Employer
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Location
Houston, Texas
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Jun 16, 2022

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Discipline
Health Sciences
Organization Type
Healthcare/Hospital

Job Details

MD ANDERSON THERAPEUTICS DISCOVERY DIVISION

Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.

The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around four platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) and the Neurodegeneration Consortium.

The IACS platform is focused on discovering and developing the next generation of small-molecule targeted therapies, driven by the needs we see in our patients. The team aligns world-class drug discovery and development research with the science and clinical care for which MD Anderson is known. We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.

The Group Leader-Biochemistry and Biophysics will lead, develop, and execute the program strategies, including the development of appropriate in vitro assay funnels, for multidisciplinary drug discovery projects. This senior IACS member will use their critical thinking, technical, and strategic skills to enable innovative first-in-class drug discovery programs across multiple target classes and rapidly drive them into the clinic. Their passion for using innovative approaches to problem-solving and their biochemical and biophysical expertise, will enable them to identify lead molecules, evaluate structure-activity relationships, and dive deep into understanding the mechanism of action. Additionally, this Group Leader will have the opportunity to expand our biochemical and biophysical capabilities, especially in the areas of enzymology and SPR. These efforts will allow us to advance novel therapeutics currently under development by our Therapeutics Discovery teams and partners as well as initiate new programs

By joining the Therapeutics Discovery Division, you have the opportunity to use your talents to make a direct impact on the lives of our patients. We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to become a part of our team. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience with a wide variety of protein targets in a drug discovery setting and a demonstrated track record in the development and implementation of biochemical and biophysical assays for compound screening and mechanistic studies using a variety of detection formats.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

1. Lead the development of biochemical and biophysical screening strategies for multiple small molecule drug discovery programs, as well as mechanism of action studies. This includes the application of enzymology principles and techniques.

2. Contribute to project teams through lab-based activities, developing and implementing biochemical and biophysical assays for target validation, hit identification and confirmation, lead optimization, and mechanism of action studies. Techniques include fluorescence polarization, FRET/TR-FRET, SPR, ITC, DSF, RF-MS, MST, etc...

3. Develop advanced technical ideas in the areas of biochemistry and biophysics and lead development and implementation.

4. Collaborate with internal and external scientists across functional areas to plan and execute the strategy for one or more small molecule drug discovery programs.

5. Lead programs, coordinate efforts and leverage resources in other functional areas.

6. Resource projects in a flexible manner, including efficient use of outsourcing.

7. Coordinate, direct, and lead a team of successful internal and external scientists.

8. Manage research staff by assisting with technical issues, setting priorities and expectations, and actively supporting their development.

9. Employ safe lab practices.

10. Maintain clear research records and laboratory notes.

EDUCATION:
Required: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Seven years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory to include three years of supervisory or managerial experience. Successful completion of the LEADing Self Accelerate program may substitute for one year of required supervisory or management experience.

Preferred: Relevant pharmaceutical/biotech experience. Experience with leading small molecule drug discovery project teams and managing junior scientists. Proven track record of applying biochemistry and biophysical techniques to small molecule drug discovery projects to drive critical decisions. This should include enzyme kinetics, RF-MS, ITC, SPR, DSF, etc.. Familiarity with cell-based assays would be beneficial.

OTHER:
Required: Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

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

Company

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

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