Institute Senior Research Scientist

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