The Platform for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research (PRIME-TR) is a dedicated team that promotes and supports translational microbiome research at MD Anderson. Our ultimate goal is to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for cancer patients and the at-risk population through microbiome applications.

An exciting area of tremendous growth is the tumor microbiome which aims to comprehend microbes (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) observed within tissues and the tumor microenvironment and their interplay surrounding cellular milieu and its impact on tumor onset, progression, and response to therapy. To this end, PRIME-TR has launched an effort dubbed Bugs in Space to profile the microbiome and host in situ using multiplex-fluorescent imaging and spatial profiling technologies including nanoString's GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler and CosMx™ Spatial Molecular Imager.

We are seeking a candidate to support and develop Bugs in Space projects within our portfolio of collaborations and home-grown projects. The Research Scientist will work closely with the team lead and act as a subject-matter expert on in situ microbiome imaging and profiling techniques and will help develop and execute these projects within PRIME-TR.

**The ideal candidate will have experience in a microbiology and/or pathology environment**

KEY FUNCTIONS

* Advanced understanding and experience of specimen processing and preparation methods for microscopy and imaging.

* Comprehension of microscopy and spatial profiling technologies including, but not limited to, nanoString's GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler and CosMx™ Spatial Molecular Imager instruments.

* Proficiency in various microscopy techniques (e.g., light, fluorescence, confocal, electron microscopy).

* Identify and develop laboratory methods for quality controls of IHC, RNAscope, FISH and other Platforms, including GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler and 10X Visium.

* Coordinate and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as needed.

* Interface with vendors to implement new methodologies (workflow and integration) utilizing institutional resources and systems.

* Operation and maintenance of different types of microscopes and imaging equipment.

* Knowledge of equipment calibration procedures.

* Familiarity with image processing software.

* Ability to quantify and analyze microscopic images.

* Competence in managing and organizing large datasets.

* Works with team members to ensure all reporting features, organizational tools, and data incorporations are available and accurate at all times.

* Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and compilation of multiple sets of results.

* Provides technical expertise to design and develop projects in an independent manner.

* Basic laboratory skills (e.g., pipetting, solution preparation).

* Understanding of sterile techniques and contamination control.

* Collaborates with peer scientists from multidisciplinary teams to advance spatial projects and develop cutting edge artificial intelligence (AI) and image processing methods for analyzing the microbiome in situ.

* Provides research support to PI, peers, and users who intend to support grants, publications, and other research goals with data acquired from this machine.

* Presents findings to professional peer groups and prepares documents for publication.

* Provides input on grants, manuscripts, and other written materials for PI and research team.

* Maintains high-level written and oral communication skills.

* Maintains a clear record of all experimental work performed. Ensures that records are properly maintained and consistently reflect the current status of the lab work.

COMPETENCIES

Analytical Thinking - Gathers relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

Inspire Trust - Shows consistency among principles, values, and behavior; gain the confidence and trust of others.

Oral Communication - Expresses ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations; create an environment with open channels of communication.

Strategic Thinking - Defines strategic goals and issues clearly; apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.

Written Communication - Conveys information clearly and concisely through both formal and informal documents; adapt writing style to fit the audience.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires:

Yes

No

Working in Office Environment

X

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

X

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

X

Exposure to harmful chemicals

X

Exposure to radiation

X

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

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs.

X

10lbs to 50 lbs.

X

More than 50 lbs.

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

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

Preferred: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Four years of experience in experimental or scientific work. With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Preferred: Experience in a microbiology and/or pathology environment.

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