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 2024-2025 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institution.
The primary purpose of the Research Scientist position is to advance the development and optimization of novel RNAi and nucleic acid-based delivery platforms for oncology and other disease indications. This includes leading experimental design, executing in vitro and in vivo studies, analyzing data, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to move promising formulations toward preclinical and translational development.
The ideal candidate is an innovative and independent Scientist with a strong background in nanomedicine, particularly in the design and evaluation of RNAi-based delivery systems.
Key Functions
Plan Experiments & Programs
Assists in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing scientific research projects including specific studies involving novel therapy for treatment of human ovarian cancer as assigned by the Principal Investigator. Assists in determining goals of each project and discusses them with the Principal Investigator. Verbally reviews goals and objectives to be attained, and, if appropriate, provides project personnel with detailed written instructions on how to conduct the experiment and/or carry out the project. Consults with the Principal Investigator and/or other laboratory personnel to clarify and obtain further information needed to prepare for an experiment or project. Evaluates resulting research data and project progress and revises techniques or approaches to correct problems. Develops research interests independent from those specifically outlined by the Principal Investigator's programs. Communicates via telephone, letter, and fax, with collaborators and administration. Writes research protocols for animal and human tissue use. Ensure necessary procedures are followed and signatures are obtained. Participates in scientific research projects as assigned by the Principal Investigator. Conducts experiments in the biomedical field. Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results. Operates all laboratory equipment. Turns off equipment after using and cleans in the proper manner. Ensures that work area is clean and organized at all times. Manipulates knobs and buttons on laboratory equipment using fine motor skills. Accumulates research materials, samples, and records necessary for collaborative efforts. Performs general duties, including reagent preparation, retrieval, processing, and recording of tissue specimens from pathology.
Supervision/Training/Maintenance
Oversees research experiments, and projects associated with the Gynecology Laboratory and the Principal Investigator. Reviews work of laboratory technical personnel to ensure compliance with project goals and instructions. Oversees the accurate calculation of experimental data. Trains personnel and students when needed on the use of laboratory equipment including the computer and its accompanying software. Plans and supervises the training of laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures. Verbally discusses with personnel experimental procedures outlined in the literature and ways to implement them into current research projects. Assists in the direction and supervision of various students and/or technicians and evaluates their academic progress.
May assist with the maintenance of laboratory and office equipment. Visually checks to ensure all equipment is operating properly. Reports equipment problems to the laboratory coordinator. Reads equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals to insure familiarity with equipment and procedures. Demonstrates and practices laboratory safety precautions. Handles, stores, and disposes of chemically hazardous materials and biohazardous materials by procedures specified to meet UTMDACC safety guidelines. Accurately authorizes use and disposal of all biohazardous materials. Provides verbal and/or written instructions to laboratory staff on standards and specialized laboratory safety procedures. Follows manufacturers' guidelines regarding the safe handling of all laboratory equipment. Attends annual safety courses required by UTMDACC and others as necessary.
Collection & Analysis of Data
Records (by manually writing in a notebook or entering into a computer database) via computer keyboard and software program as well as reviews data collected by the staff and evaluates data as required and/or requested by Principal Investigator. Collects and analyzes accurate experimental data (samples are interpreted by means of reading a computer-generated printout or by manually counting). Manually records data from laboratory procedures, as necessary. Records data by capturing images for use in computer-based records. Prepares graphs and charts from experimental data by using computer, keyboard, and software. Organizes and formats data for importation into appropriate mediums such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Prizm; StatView; SPSS; and Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator for both presentation and publication. Writes manuscripts and abstracts for publication based on work performed. Assists in the writing of manuscripts and abstracts based on work performed by other laboratory personnel. Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the Principal Investigator.
Visually reads selected literature pertaining to laboratory research projects as requested by the Principal Investigator. Periodically scans literature for pertinent papers relating to laboratory research. Keeps Principal Investigator informed of new theories and techniques. Assists in the formulating and writing of grant applications. Coordinates and follows progress of grant applications and ensure necessary procedures are followed and signatures are obtained. Assists in planning future programs in research, education, and prevention.
Presents findings of the research projects to professional groups. Travels and represents Principal Investigator at scientific meetings by presenting results by using slides and/or posters. Organizes data and creates slides using PowerPoint which are suitable for presentations at national meetings. Designs and creates posters for same meetings.
Other Duties As Assigned.
EDUCATION
Education Required: Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
Education Preferred: PhD Natural sciences
Work Experience
Experience Required: 4 years Experimental or scientific work or 2 years experimental or scientific work with medical degree or no experience required with PhD.
Experience Preferred: Extensive experience with RNAi or nucleic acid delivery systems, including formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles or similar nanocarriers. Proven expertise in vivo models, especially tumor-bearing or metastatic models relevant to evaluating therapeutic delivery and efficacy. Strong understanding of the tumor microenvironment and mechanisms influencing nanoparticle biodistribution, cellular uptake, and therapeutic response.
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: 176775
- 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: Soft
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
