Institute Senior Research Scientist

Houston, TX, United States

The Institute Senior Research Scientist participates in cross-functional research to identify and validate novel oncology targets, and applies deep biological insights to then translate these findings into novel oncology therapeutic agents to benefit patients.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

Know your business

1. The Institute Senior Research Scientist coordinates the application and development of cutting edge tools and methodologies to enable advancement of Division projects through leadership and experimental activities

2. Independently applies and develops basic science tools and methodologies to develop complex strategies and enable advancement of Division projects through leadership and experimental activities.

3. Integrates with cross-functional teams to present research findings, interpret data and develop solutions while making data driven decisions on program advancement.

4. Independently designs, executes and interprets in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo experiments to validate and explore therapeutic potential of drug targets and drive therapeutic development programs.

4. Work with research and bioinformatics teams to utilize internal biological and oncogenomic data sets to generate and test biological hypotheses.

5. Analyzes data generated by various studies and leverages results for the design of future studies; leads integration of data to identify genes/pathways pertinent to tumor development and treatment; adapts to new technologies and find solutions to related program studies.

6. Work with medicinal chemistry and pharmacology teams as part of drug discovery efforts to validate targets and optimize novel small molecule therapeutics.

7. Lead drug discovery biology efforts to selection of lead candidate molecules and transition into clinical development.

8. Develop and implement biomarker strategies to guide early clinical development of drugs.

9. Design and develop cell and molecular assays to define mechanism of action for compounds, identify pharmacodynamic assays to be used in pre-clinical and clinical setting and test patient selection strategies.

10. Develop extensive knowledge and experience in key areas of tumor biology including, but not limited to oncogenic signaling, tumor microenvironment, tumor immunology, metabolism, epigenetic deregulation or apoptosis.

11. Leverage state-of-the-art immuno-oncology approaches to develop insights into new IO-related targets and impacts on novel therapeutics on the immune system.

12. Adapt to new technologies and find solutions to related program studies.

Interpret, present and report research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.

Know your business of your department/Institute

1. Maintain high laboratory standards with regard to quality and safety.

2. Employ safe lab practices.

3. Maintain research records and laboratory notes.

4. Adapt to new technologies and find solutions to related program studies

5. Interpret, present and report research findings at internal meeting and external scientific conferences

Change Agent

1. Work with chemistry and pharmacology teams as part of drug discovery efforts to validate targets and optimize novel small molecule therapeutics

2. Lead drug discovery biology efforts to selection of lead candidate molecules and transition into clinical development

Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

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

Innovative Thinking - Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.

Self-Adaptability - Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.

Self-Confidence - Recognize own knowledge, skills, and abilities; respond to challenging situations with confidence; understand limits in self.

Team with Others - Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.

Technical/Functional Expertise - Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.

Coach and Develop - Assess strengths and development needs of employees; provide challenging development opportunities; provide relevant, timely feedback; mentor others.

Service Orientation

1. Provide service to our customers, including patients, patient caregivers, referring physicians and each other, in a reliable, responsive, safe, friendly and courteous manner.

2. Promotes inclusiveness and collegiality by demonstrating respect and professionalism to others at all times

3. Models safe, ethical behavior, mitigating risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson's Standards of Conduct, institutional policies and procedures

4. Meets time and attendance expectations and responds to requests in a timely manner, communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and coworkers

5. Admits when wrong, apologize and take steps to resolve a situation to help to patients and coworkers before being asked.

People Leadership

1. Provides development opportunities and ongoing feedback to employees to include timely completion of administrative staff and classified employees each evaluation period.

2. Provides clear direction and communication to employees within unit.

3. Demonstrates cultural competence that creates an inclusive environment for the diversity represented within unit's staff.

4. Manages operating expenses to budget.

5. Completes required 16 hours of continuing education for people leadership skills per year.

6. Complete Management Curriculum within required timeframe.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequency

Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and/or tissue

Hazardous Chemicals and Materials

Frequent 34-66%

Frequent 34-66%

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequency

Weight

Standing

Walking

Sitting

Reaching

Lifting

Pushing/Pulling

Frequent 34-66%

Occasionally 11-33%

Frequent 34-66%

Occasionally 11-33%

Occasionally 11-33%

Occasionally 11-33%

5-10 lbs

5-10 lbs

EDUCATION:

Required: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.

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

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Eight years experience of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, three years of required experience.

Preferred: At least two years of relevant experience in oncology research in biotech or pharmaceutical environment.

1. Evidence of utilization of cancer genetics to inform on target discovery, validation or on clinical development of drug candidates.

2. Experience with genetic (ie RNAi and cDNAs) and pharmacological (i.e. small molecule inhibitors or antibodies) approaches to study target biology utilizing state of the art molecular biology and biochemistry methods and assays essential to drive projects.

3. Experience working with chemists, in vitro and in vivo pharmacologists to develop and utilize assays in support of the development of small molecules for target validation and as part of compound lead optimization for the development of novel therapeutics is highly desirable.

4. A demonstrated track record in the development and implementation of functional genomics strategies to enable systematic investigation into mechanisms of tumorigenesis and drug resistance.

5. Broad knowledge of cell culture techniques is required and knowledge of how to utilize in vivo oncology models is desirable. Hands-on experience working in the immune-oncology space, specifically with syngeneic and GEMM models to examine TILs and the immune TME is preferred.

6. Extensive knowledge and experience in key areas of tumor biology including, but not limited to oncogenic signaling, tumor microenvironment, tumor immunology, metabolism, epigenetic deregulation or anti-apoptosis as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals.

7. Strong data analysis skills, ability to interpret results and contribute to the design of follow-up experiments, troubleshoot issues with assay performance, and effectively present results and conclusions to co-workers, collaborators and senior leadership.

8. Evidence of independent thinking and leadership skills are vital. Ability to work well under pressure and drive projects that impact critical timelines is essential.

9. Flexibility to accommodate to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines is required

10. Collaborative attitude and ability to work in a team-based environment is crucial for this position.

11. Excellent oral and written communication skills

12. Experience mentoring junior scientists is a plus.

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: 167590

Employment Status: Full-Time

Employee Status: Regular

Work Week: Days

Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 135,975

Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 169,000

Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 204,000

FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

Fund Type: Soft

Work Location: Onsite

Pivotal Position: Yes

Referral Bonus Available?: Yes

Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

Science Jobs: Yes

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