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 2021-2022 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The primary purpose of the Research Scientist position is to apply technical expertise and experience to plan, coordinate, and supervise the evaluation of research data and the quality of resulting publications. Performs research activities based on projects and grants planned by the principal investigator. These activities are usually of a technical nature, but may be those related to design and literature reviews as well. Plans, participates in, and directs research activities related to patient sample processing. Impacts the quality of cancer research efforts in department.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• To plan, organize, direct, and participate in experiments and assays related to patient sample processing.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in the development and design of clinical and translational research to ensure value and feasibility of proposal.
• Perform quality research for current research projects and other identified needs

• Determine specific goals or objectives to be attained.
• Oversee key classified personnel involved in research projects.
• Assign and review the work of subordinates and monitor workflow.
• Interview classified personnel for laboratory positions.
• Plan and supervise the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures.
• Collaborate with members of other laboratories.
• Process blood samples within two hours of receipt.
• Process, store, and catalog patient samples; then analyze biomarkers by ELISA.
• Initiate trouble-shooting to ensure that goals of the project are achieved.
• Plan and execute routine procedures involving cell biology and biochemistry. Requires experience in tissue culture, PCR, western blot analysis, cytotoxicity assays, apoptosis, imuunofluorescence microscopy, immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, immune assays, CyTOF, single cell RNA sequencing, and bulk RNA sequencing, and enzymatic kinetics and assays.
• Provide laboratory services, perform tissue culture, process research samples, and/or catalog samples as required.
• Interpret results of experiments and make changes in procedures when needed.
• Read the literature and confer with superiors regarding new procedures and modify them according to the needs of the project.
• Interact with principal investigators, postdoctoral fellows and other research staff in communicating experimental design and results.
• Demonstrate ability to operate laboratory equipment and apparatus and perform routine operator maintenance.
• Participate in adopting new techniques and learning new skills to enhance research efforts.
• Maintain assertiveness and flexibility in approaching new techniques and responsibilities, utilizing good work habits and time management.
• Maintain alertness and careful attention to avoid injury to self and others due to chemicals and hazardous materials in the laboratory.

2. To maintain good, detailed experimental records, evaluate resulting research data, and present findings.

• Maintain an up-to-date, organized, and legible laboratory journal that records all experiments in detail and ensure that subordinates do the same.
• Monitor and oversee the quality and detail of experimental records and the reproducibility of experiment outcomes by personnel in the lab.

• Utilize image analysis system and/or microscope to analyze data and examine results.
• Compile, write, and submit project results to supervisor.
• Prepare scientific documents for publication and grant submissions.
• Present findings of research projects to professional groups.
• Present manuscript reviews to laboratory and department meetings.
  

3. To develop and maintain standard procedures and protocols to ensure the quality and integrity of procedures performed and the overall operation of the laboratory.

• Monitor work flow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance, and preparing stock solutions.

• Know the procedure for obtaining repair or maintenance for lab equipment.
• Coordinate the ordering of supplies in the laboratory
• Manage inventory of biologics and replenish as needed.
• Order materials for research studies and follow up on orders as needed.

• Maintain chemical and radionuclide safety reports.

• Select and purchase new equipment in consultation with other professional staff.
  

4. Other duties as assigned.

The performance for all expected outcomes is measured by observation by supervisor, reports from faculty and co-workers, the accuracy and timeliness of work produced, and the demonstrated ability to effectively work under stress. The position also requires one to anticipate needs, to recognize situations requiring assistance and have the ability to refer or perform any necessary tasks, and to comprehend the goals of the department/program and take the initiative in making decisions and taking actions to further these goals.

The above functions require the following abilities and skills:

• Standing for long periods of time, moving around from one area of the laboratory to another to work with different equipment, walking to different floors of the hospital to collect samples and to get patients' records.
• Steady-hand posture for pipetting.
• Visually checking for cells in the microscope, the use of Magiscan screens for count proliferating cell nuclear antigen, epidermal growth factor receptor expression, and ability to use cameras and other photographic and laboratory equipment.
• Requires keeping handwritten and electronic records.
• Ability to practice independently, strong verbal and written communication skills, organizational and critical judgment skills, and ability to interact effectively with patients and co-workers.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to work with personal computers using standard word processing software, spreadsheets, and programs for database and graphics usage.

• Ability to maintain a satisfactory work environment by organizing and redistributing files, records, etc., requiring bending, stooping, reaching, manual handling, walking, visually inspecting, extended standing, sitting and repetitive motions. May be required to lift up to 15 pounds.

• Use of computer via keyboard, and operating facsimile machine, calculator, printer, photocopy machine, etc. Use of push-button, multiple line telephone set. Must be able to master new software by utilizing available resources (other program personnel, reference manual, training classes, etc.)

• Be clearly understood by verbal communication in face-to-face encounters and by telephone.
• Strong command of the English language, including spelling, writing, and verbalizing and ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.

EDUCATION

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

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

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.

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

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 157625
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 64,400
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 80,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 96,600
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
• Science Jobs: Yes

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