Senior Scientist, RNA Therapeutics at Houston Methodist Research Institute

Associate Professor/Professor, RNA Biology/Chemistry

The Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) welcomes applications for an Associate Professor or Professor in RNA biology or chemistry for our RNA Therapeutics Program.  We are a highly translational institute, with faculty that are making fundamental insights and translating these toward transformative therapies.  Our RNA Therapeutics Program is funded by NIH, the state government, as well as industry contracts and substantial philanthropy.  We do fundamental research in RNA biology; perform pre-clinical studies in RNA therapeutics; generate innovative research grade constructs internally and for the scientific community; and produce RNA Therapeutics in our cGMP manufacturing facility for clinical trials. 

Optimal candidates will have a track record of innovative research in RNA biology or chemistry; are capable of attracting external funding, e.g. from NIH; are highly collaborative; and are excited about innovation, invention, translation and making transformative contributions to human health.  Candidates will be evaluated on their ability to establish a robust program in RNA sciences and collaborate with the RNA Therapeutics team to translate their research innovations into RNA therapeutics.  In addition, candidates are expected to show promise in establishing a vigorous externally funded research program and contribute to the intellectual vitality of the HMRI scientific community. Faculty will also have the opportunity to affiliate with the Cornell University Weill Cornell Medical College and/or Texas A&M University, and to work with students from these universities.  Classroom-style teaching is not expected; however, teaching opportunities can be made available if the candidate chooses to pursue them. 

Houston Methodist Hospital Research Institute is located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, which is the largest medical center in the world. The institute is surrounded by an unparalleled biomedical research environment, which consists of the Houston Methodist Hospital, Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, and more than 50 additional top institutes and hospitals. Texas is the #1 state to make a living, as recently ranked by Forbes. Houston is the largest city in Texas and the 4th largest in US, with an attractive living cost and a vibrant culture. It was recently named the most prosperous US city by The Business Journal. Salary and benefits can be highly competitive and commensurate with experience. Houston Methodist Hospital is frequently ranked by the FORTUNE Magazine into the list of the best employers in USA.

To apply for the position, please send your CV, cover letter, research statement, and 3 letters of recommendation, to the Director of the RNA Therapeutics Program, John P. Cooke MD PhD at jpcooke@houstonmethodist.org.