MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
Summary
The Han Lab in the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging at MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a highly motived and skilled Research Scientist to lead and support cutting-edge research projects focused on tumor-immune metabolic interplay, with an emphasis on organelle communication and the characterization of metabolite flux within the tumor microenvironment. This role involves significant responsibilities for the design, execution, and interpretation of in vivo and in vitro studies, integration of multi-modality imaging platforms, biochemical assays and -omics technologies. The
Research Scientist will function independently in the design, planning, execution, and oversight of designated research projects, as well as logistical coordination of project milestones and deliverables. In collaboration with the Principal Investigator, the candidate will help define specific goals, evaluate ongoing research progress, and develop or refine experimental approaches on in vivo and in vitro settings. The candidate will also play a key role in grant and manuscript preparation, strategic project planning, and the identification of new research opportunities aligned with the lab's mission. The candidate will compile and submit reports, contribute to scientific outreach, and maintain cooperative relationships with departmental administrative teams or external partners to ensure efficient communication, collaboration, and execution of scientific objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in animal studies, biochemical assays, and -omics technologies, along with a proven track record of high-impact publications. This position presents a unique opportunity to build an innovative research program exploring metabolism across subcellular, cellular and tissue levels, with a focus on advancing our understanding of the spatial organization and function of tumor metabolism.
Ideal Candidate: will have a PhD and demonstrate expertise in animal handling, confocal and live-cell imaging, and pharmacokinetics/biodistribution analysis. Prior experience in metabolism-focused research and a strong interest in mitochondrial organelle communication are highly desirable.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Research Planning and Experimental Design (Weight 40%)
- Work with the Principal Investigator and her team to design and execute experiments investigating tumor metabolism and mitochondrial-organelle communication using both in vitro and in vivo cancer models.
- Lead the development, validation, and application of multi-modality imaging techniques, including PET/CT, confocal microscopy, and 3D volume electron microscopy, to explore metabolic crosstalk between tumors and the microenvironment.
- Perform and supervise biochemical assays related to mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism and conduct subcellular and organelle-level characterization of tumor and immune cells. Perform and supervise the preparation and analysis of biospecimens, including tissue preservation, immunohistochemistry, and metabolic profiling (e.g., metabolomics and lipidomics)
- Assist in the design and execution of preclinical therapeutic studies targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in lung cancer.
- Participate in regulatory documentation, prepare figures, and research progress reports, and contribute to data interpretation and integration across experimental platforms.
- Support scientific communication through manuscript and grant preparation and participate in collaborative project development across research teams.
Data Collection and Analysis (Weight 30%)
- Acquire and analyze multi-modality imaging datasets, including PET/CT, confocal microscopy, and volume electron microscopy, to assess tumor metabolism and organelle networks.
- Utilize image analysis tools such as ImageJ, Imaris, and MATLAB to quantify imaging signals and extract spatial features; perform statistical analysis using RStudio and GraphPad Prism to ensure data rigor and reproducibility; and generate publication-ready figures using Adobe Illustrator or PowerPoint.
- Compile, interpret, and integrate experimental findings across imaging, metabolic profiling, and -omics platforms for use in manuscripts, grant proposals, and scientific presentations. Contribute to scientific writing by drafting data summaries, figures, and methodological descriptions.
Data Presentation and Manuscript Presentation (Weight 15%)
- Maintain comprehensive records of experimental procedures, imaging data, analyses of biochemical assays for use in publications, grant submissions, and regulatory compliance.
- Interpret and communicate research findings and experimental outcomes to the Principal Investigator and broader research team.
- Prepare and deliver presentations at internal lab meetings, institutional seminars, and external conferences.
- Compile, write, and submit research summaries, progress reports and manuscript drafts to the Principal Investigator in order to support publications, grant applications, and collaborative initiatives.
Research and Laboratory Management (Weight 15%)
- Support the Han Lab and affiliated faculty in preparing and submitting research compliance protocols (e.g., IACUC, IBC, ESHA, Lab Safety) related to animal studies, imaging, biochemical, and metabolic profiling experiments.
- Facilitate communication and coordination with institutional core facilities, clinical collaborators, and across multi-institutional and interdisciplinary projects involving tumor metabolism and imaging technologies. Responsible for coordinating research planning, tracking project progress, and compiling reporting activities.
- Attend and document key research meetings to monitor timelines, milestones, and deliverables in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and research team. Ensure timely completion of scientific and administrative objectives, including support for grant submission, compliance reports, and progress reports.
EDUCATION
- Required: Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
- Preferred: PhD Natural sciences or Medical Degree
Work Experience
- Required: 4 years Experimental or scientific work. or
- Required: 2 years Experimental or scientific work with medical degree. or
- Required: No experience required with PhD.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
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: 176651
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 68,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 85,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 102,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
