Principal Research Scientist

Principal Research Scientist

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Human Resource Coordination
- Provides direct supervision of trainees and research staff in accordance with departmental and institutional policies.
- Determines specific goals or objectives to be obtained and evaluates research data and develops and revises techniques or approaches to work problems.
- Manages day-to-day tasks of junior research personnel.
- 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.

Laboratory Safety
- Works in the laboratory environment in a manner that is in accordance with institutional safety guidelines.
- Requires and encourages lab personnel to take safety courses and any other courses that may benefit them in their job performance.
- Plans and ensures that appropriate training of lab personnel (e.g. technicians, students, postdoctoral fellows) is conducted with respect to proper laboratory techniques, use of laboratory equipment and supplies, and safety procedures.
- Conducts periodic laboratory inspections and ensures that laboratories are prepared for accreditation and inspection.
- Consults with Environmental Health and Safety personnel concerning safety procedures required for installation and usage of equipment.

Laboratory Operations and Compliance
- Promotes inclusiveness and collegiality by demonstrating respect and professionalism to others at all times.
- Uses laboratory knowledge and expertise to identify and resolve laboratory operational issues and interacts with all levels of internal and external resources to resolve problems.
- Preforms research that is in compliance with IBC (Institutional Biosafety Committee) and IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee) approved protocols for the PI.
- Works directly with clinical research faculty and non-tenure track faculty to define projects and manage progress of research efforts.
-Present findings of research projects to professional groups within the institution and at outside conferences.

Research Activities

- Functions in a separate and independent manner in the design and initiation of research experiments.
- Performs in vitro experiments including the processing and storing of samples from patients, isolation of proteins and nucleic acids, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.
- Performs in vitro cellular assays including drug sensitivity screens, cell migration/invasion assays, cell viability assays, transfection/siRNA assays.
- Performs in vivo experiments including tumor cell injection, measurement of tumor volume, randomization to treatment arms, drug delivery and specimen collection.
- Participates in adopting new techniques and learning new skills to enhance research efforts.
- Maintains assertiveness and flexibility in approaching new techniques and responsibilities, utilizing good work habits and time management.
- Maintains alertness and careful attention to avoid injury to self and others due to chemicals and hazardous materials in the laboratory.

Maintenance of Experimental Records
- Maintains an up-to-date, organized, and legible laboratory journal that records all experiments in detail and ensures that subordinates do the same.
- Utilizes image analysis systems and/or microscopes to analyze data and examine results.
- Compiles, writes, and submits project results to supervisor.

Preparation of Manuscripts for Publication and Presentation of Findings
- Prepares scientific documents for publication for independent projects.
- Provides scientific guidance and editorial support to assist with the preparation of scientific manuscripts for members of the PI's laboratory and associated non-tenure track faculty and clinical research faculty.
- Presents findings of independent research projects to professional groups.
- Manages the weekly lab meeting agenda and presentation schedule for the PI.

Grant Management

- Prepares peer-reviewed and programmatic grants at the direction of the PI.
- Manages progress on funded, peer-reviewed, and programmatic grants and industrial contracts to ensure that milestones are met.
- Prepares oral and written reports related to the progress of various funded projects.

Other duties as assigned

PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree. Five 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