Institute Associate Scientist II - In Vivo Pharmacology

The Associate Scientist II in Translational biology will be responsible for performing in vivo pharmacology studies to support preclinical development and translational biology of investigational therapeutics. Activities will include working with project teams through the execution of pharamacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and efficacy studies to evaluate exploratory through advanced therapeutics.

Key Functions:

1. Under minimal supervision, designs and utilizes novel in vivo xenograft and allograft models.
2. Doses animals and analyzes the outcome of pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and efficacy studies.
3. Performs survival and non-survival animal surgeries for specimen collection and characterization.
4. Utilizes non-invasive imaging.
5. Analyzes data and help with preparation of written and oral reports to project teams.
6. Assists in utilization of in vivo models.
7. Contributes to project team.
8. Employ safe lab practices.
9. Maintain research records and laboratory notes.

Core Competencies

1. Technical/Functional Expertise (Transitional): Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.
   • Seek experiences and knowledge in technical/functional areas to gain additional expertise. Troubleshoot systems/processes effectively.
   • Maintain state of the art knowledge in the field. Provide expertise and guidance to others.

1. Self Motivation (Administrative/Operations Management): Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement in timely manner.
   • Seek to influence standards with proven business practices. Improve own performance by making specific changes in system or work methods.
   • Set challenging goals for self and unit. Pursue information to reduce uncertainty for unit.

1. Self Adaptability (Transitional): Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.
   • . Smoothly handle multiple demands, shifting priorities and rapid change..
   • Change own immediate behavior or approach to suit the situation. Remain open-minded and adjust approach on basis of new information.

Ability to work well under pressure and drive projects that affect critical timelines.

1. Team with Others (Transitional): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members, and those beyond team; balance individual and team goals.
   • Model team qualities, i.e. respect helpfulness and coping. Support team decisions once they are made and help to implement.
   • Actively promote a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. Solicit opinions from team members. Coach others in developing teamwork skills.
2. Coach and Develop (Transitional): Assess strengths and development needs of employees; provide challenging development opportunities; provide relevant, timely feedback; mentor others.
   • Educate others in technical areas of expertise. Ask questions, observe and use other methods to verify level of audience understanding.
   • Identify employee needs for development and offer feedback. Evaluate employees' progress against standards.

Working Conditions

Laboratory environment

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

_____No

__X__ Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

__X_ No

_____ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

_____No

__X_ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

_____No

__X__ Yes

Exposure to radiation

___X_ No

____ Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

Walking

Sitting

Reaching

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

10lbs to 50 lbs

More than 50 lbs

Use computer/keyboard

EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: One year of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, no required experience.

Preferred:

1. In vivo pharmacology experience including animal handling, dosing, and conducting drug PK/PD and efficacy studies with mice is required.

2. Experience with in vivo models including subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts and/or genetically engineered models of cancer.

3. Experience maintaining cell lines in tissue culture, preparing reagents and dosing solutions.

4. Hands-on experience administering test agents by gavage or intravenous and intraperitoneal injections required.

5. Ability to perform tumor measurements is essential.

6. Must have prior experience with minor animal survival and non-survival surgery for specimen collection and characterization.

7. Experience with in vivo imaging modalities and the evaluation of tissues and biological fluids for molecular and/or biochemical endpoints are desired.

8. The position requires a highly self-motivated individual, with outstanding organizational skills, the ability to effectively present results and conclusions to co-workers, collaborators and manager. Ability to work well under pressure and drive personal and team objectives that impact critical timelines is expected. A collaborative attitude is essential for this position.

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