The Institute Research Investigator will be responsible for coordinating the acquisition and characterization of preclinical models derived from clinical samples that are used to support our internal and external collaborative translational therapeutic development efforts.

Key Functions

* Apply expert knowledge of tumor biology in areas such as immune oncology, oncogenic signaling, metabolism, epigenetics and/or DNA damage to enable progression of innovative drug candidates into the clinic through leadership and collaborative experimental activities.

* Work with cross-functional translational biology programs to identify and validate hypotheses and biomarkers that can be tested in clinical trials.

* Collaborate with computational biologists using patient-centric -omic databases to enable translational biology hypothesis generation and

design studies for validation in clinically relevant contexts.

* Independently design, execute, analyze and interpret in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments supporting the development of compounds entering the clinic or in early clinical studies, including: (i) develop patient stratification strategies, (ii) identify mechanisms of tumorigenesis and drug resistance, and (iii) design and validate drug combination strategies and biomarkers to establish proof of biology.

* With oversight and guidance, develop and manage collaborative relationships with internal and external groups.

* With oversight and guidance manage activity of project teams.

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

* Work well under pressure and drive projects that impact critical timelines.

* Work and support multi-disciplinary teams to accomplish objectives.

* Analyze, prepare, and present data in project team and other internal meetings as needed.

* Employ safe lab practices.

CORE COMPETENCIES

1. Self Motivation (Independent Contributor): Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement.

* Use standards set by management. Take ownership for actions. Continually meet department goals.

* Demonstrate a personal sense of urgency in getting results. Use personal and management standards to complete assignments.

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

* Apply basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work. Meet essential position requirements.

* Seek experiences and knowledge in technical/functional areas to gain additional expertise. Troubleshoot systems/processes effectively.

3.Analytical Thinking (Independent Contributor): Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

* Recognize simple cause and effect relationships. Diagnose problems by breaking them down into simple tasks or activities.

* Identify relationships among a few parts of a problem. Scan own knowledge and experience base to determine potential solutions.

4.Team with Others (Independent Contributor): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members, and those beyond team; balance individual and team goals.

* Support and show respect to team members. Recognize how individual actions affect the team.

* Model team qualities, i.e. respect helpfulness and coping. Support team decisions once they are made and help to implement.

Working Conditions

Laboratory environment


This position requires:







Working in Office Environment

____No

__X_ Yes



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

_X_ No

____ Yes



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

____No

__X_ Yes



Exposure to harmful chemicals

____No

__X_ Yes



Exposure to radiation

_X_ No

____ Yes


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: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Six years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory With Master's degree, four years of required experience. With a PhD in a natural science or Medical degree, no experience required.

Preferred:

* Evidence of utilization of cancer genomics to inform on clinical positioning of development drug candidates.

* Experience with genetic (ie RNAi and cDNAs) and pharmacological (i.e. small molecule inhibitors or antibodies) approaches to study target biology utilizing biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology methods and assays to drive program biology.

* Experience utilizing mouse models of cancer to enable target discovery, validation, drug development and/or translational biology.

* Experience working with chemists, in vitro and in vivo pharmacologists to develop and use assays in support of the development of therapeutics.

* Broad knowledge and experience in areas of tumor biology including, but not limited to immune oncology, oncogenic signaling, cancer metabolism, epigenetic deregulation, apoptosis and/or DNA damage and repair as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals.

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

* Evidence of working in multi-functional teams of scientists to deliver on program objectives.

* Evidence of independent thinking and leadership skills are vital.

* Ability to work well under pressure, drive projects to meet critical timelines and display flexibility to accommodate to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines is required

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

* Excellent oral and written communication skills

* 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: 173696 Employment Status: Full-Time Employee Status: Regular Work Week: Days Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 101,325 Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 127,100 Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 152,000 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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