Institute Research Scientist – Translational Biology
MD ANDERSON THERAPEUTICS DISCOVERY DIVISION
Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently – all under the same roof.
The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around four platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) and the Neurodegeneration Consortium.
TRACTION is the translational biology team within the Therapeutics Discovery Division. We employ disruptive technologies, innovative biomarker approaches, cutting-edge pre-clinical modeling and unparalleled access to patient data to accelerate drug development and inform innovative clinical trials. Through integration with basic and clinical research faculty across MD Anderson Cancer Center, we leverage a team science approach with unmatched focus on patient-centric research. In partnership with the drug discovery engines of Therapeutics Discovery, TRACTION scientists execute ground-breaking translational science in support of our mission to advance our portfolio of novel therapeutic concepts into transformative treatments.
As part of the TRACTION team, the Research Scientist will be part of our team of translational biologists who are responsible for leading preclinical translational activities to inform on clinical development of late-stage preclinical therapeutics. The position requires leading translational activities utilizing state-of-the-art preclinical models, platforms and assays to discover, validate and translate tumor biology insights into informative clinical trials. To enble these activities, the Research Scientist will contribute to a cross-functional team, collaborating with our corporate partners, subject matter experts and cores across the Institution. These efforts will allow us to advance novel therapeutics currently under development by our Therapeutics Discovery teams and partners.
By joining the Therapeutics Discovery Division, you have the opportunity to use your talents to make a direct impact on the lives of our patients. We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to become a part of our team. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record of leading translational efforts in support of advancing and positioning therapeutics in the clinical, as well as possess excellent communication, collaboration, organization and leadership skills.
KEY FUNCTIONS:
1. Apply and develop basic science tools and methodologies to develop complex strategies and enable advancement of projects through leadership and experimental activities.
2. Apply cutting edge functional genomics approaches to enable systematic investigation into mechanisms of tumorigenesis and drug resistance.
3. Independently design, execute and interpret in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo experiments to validate and explore therapeutic potential of drug targets.
4. Work with research, computational biology and bioinformatics teams to utilize internal biological and oncogenomic data sets to generate and test biological hypotheses.
5. Develop and implement biomarker strategies to guide early clinical development of drugs.
6. Design, develop and utilize biomarker assays to define mechanism of action for compounds and utilize pharmacodynamic markers to inform on compound activity, response and resistance pre-clinical and clinical setting and test patient selection strategies.
7. 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.
8. Adapt to new technologies and find solutions to related program studies.
9. Interpret, present and report research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
Education
Required: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.
Preferred: PhD, MD or equivalent degree in Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular biology or related field
Experience
Required: Ten years of relevant research laboratory experience. With Master's degree, eight years of required experience and with PhD, two years of required experience.
Preferred: At least two years of post-degree experience in a 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. A demonstrated track record in the development and implementation of functional genomics strategies to enable systematic investigation into mechanisms of tumorigenesis and drug resistance.
4. Broad knowledge of cell culture techniques is required and knowledge of how to utilize in vivo oncology models is desirable. Hands-on experience utilizing genetically engineered mouse models and orthotopic or subcutaneous primary or established tumor cell line xenograft models is desirable.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Evidence of independent thinking and leadership skills are vital. Ability to work well under pressure and drive projects that impact critical timelines is essential.
8. Flexibility to accommodate to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines is required
9. Collaborative attitude and ability to work in a team-based environment is crucial for this position.
10. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
11. 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
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