Research Scientist

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 2018 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

A research scientist position is available immediately in the Department of Neurosurgery at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The position involves basic and translational research in the areas of primary and metastatic tumors to the brain.

This position organizes the contents and disposition of the laboratory; orders supplies and reagents as necessary to maintain stocks and in response to specific requests from colleagues; performs standard molecular and cell biological techniques to support the research mission of the laboratory.

The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology techniques and cell culture techniques, as well as CRISPR experience and experience with cell-based therapies.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Laboratory Management

• Plans organizes, coordinates and participates in scientific research projects.
• Selects and manages laboratory personnel.
• Reviews and evaluates research activity of laboratory and research personnel.
• Determines specific goals or objectives to be obtained and evaluates research data.

Conducts research experiments and projects

• The applicant will plan, organize, coordinate and participate in scientific research projects under the direction of a professional staff member.
• The applicant will collaborate with other senior research scientists to design experiments involving oncolytic viruses, genetically modified macrophages, glioblastoma, immune and tumor cell profiling from animal models and surgically resected tumors.
• Profiling techniques will include flow cytometry, immune assays, CyTOF, single cell RNA sequencing, and bulk RNA sequencing.

Operates laboratory apparatus and equipment:

• Utilizes laboratory equipment to carry out experiments.
• Ordering drugs and mice for experiments in addition to other consumable items and reagents within the laboratory.

Data gathering and analysis

• Keeps detailed, thorough notes of experiments in a lab notebook/electronic record in English, and routinely discusses data with supervisor.
• Records and interprets results from in vitro and in vivo experiments. Maintain and update records of cell lines, analytical and tissue samples generated in the laboratory and received from other laboratories. Remains current on literature and techniques relating to the field of investigator

In vitro laboratory research.

• Daily responsibilities will include performing molecular and cell biological techniques including mammalian cell and tissue culture, preparing cells for injection, oncolytic viral efficacy, CRISPR/Cas9 based gene deletion, differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into macrophages for cell based therapy, surgical specimen collection and preparation, flow cytometry, PCR, Western Blot, cytotoxicity assays, and various similar assays.

In vivo animal research

• The applicant will be evaluating immunotherapies in murine models of brain tumors, including establishing subcutaneous and intracranial murine models.
• The candidate will perform regular/daily drug treatments including oncolytic viral administration, genetically modified macrophage administration, tumor measurements, monitoring mice via bioluminescent imaging, necropsies, tissue harvests for histological preparation, and cell isolation for downstream processing and tumor/immune cell profiling.
• The applicant will oversee the storage of tissue and keeping records of the location of respective samples. The applicant should be willing to learn new techniques as applicable

Scientific growth and autonomy

• Under the guidance of a professional staff member, the applicant will gradually independently carry out experiments and utilize initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments.
• Performs cell culture experiments under cGLP guidelines.
• Determines specific goals or objectives to be obtained, evaluates research data and develops and revises techniques or approaches to address problems.
• Under the direction of the principal investigator or his designee, develops new areas of investigation based upon prior experience

Laboratory Operations

• Laboratory documentation.
• Keeps detailed, thorough notes of experiments in a lab notebook/electronic record in English, and routinely discusses data with supervisor.
• Records and interprets results from in vitro and in vivo experiments.
• Remains current on literature and techniques relating to the field of investigator.
  
  Laboratory Safety.
  Knowledge of the institution's safety requirements and procedures in general laboratory practice. Complies with departmental and institutional policies regarding biochemical and radiation safety educational requirements. Must follow instruction of laboratory procedures on safe handling and disposal of radioactive and biohazardous materials.
  
  Laboratory meetings.
  Attend and present data at weekly laboratory meetings within the department. Prepare and present a scientific analysis of the results and assist in preparation of scientific publications.

Other duties as assigned

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.

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