Instructor - GI Radiation Oncology Research

MISSION STATMENT

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, across the Nation, and worldwide through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, cutting-edge research, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Instructor, Research Faculty Appointment position is to apply technical expertise and experience to plan, coordinate, design, supervise and carry out currently funded research projects; develop new lines of research to support pursuit of additional funding options; and maintain a consistent record of publications and grant applications. The position requires scientific and technical background, independent decision making, judgment and organizational skills and innovative participation. The candidate is expected to conduct research, utilizing molecular and cellular techniques, cell lines, animal models, and patient samples to collect, record, analyze research data and come up with scientifically and/or clinically relevant questions; discuss findings with mentor(s), collaborators, and staff to evaluate validity of outcomes. Additional tasks include preparing reports of completed projects for publication in professional journals or presentations on professional conferences; compiling preliminary data for grants and funding agencies, or for use in further applied or theoretical research activities; and educating trainees and students in the laboratory. The candidate must be able to assure compliance with safety standards employed by the Department, Division, and Institution.

CORE VALUES

Caring Behavior

• Courtesy: Must be respectful and courteous to peers at all times.
• Friendliness/Teamwork: Promotes and rewards teamwork; Must be sensitive and responsive to the concerns of our patients and co-workers.

Integrity Values

• Reliability: Communicates efficiently, honestly, and openly.
• Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for practicing our core values.
• Safety: Notices any safety concern and brings it to someone’s attention; Models safe behavior (wearing badge, washing hands, and keeping work area clean and orderly).

Discovery Attributes

• Responsiveness: By his/her actions, creates an environment of trust; Encourages learning, creativity and novel ideas.
• Personal Leadership/Self-Initiative: Helps others to identify and solve problems; Seeks personal growth and enables others to do so.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS/COMPENTENCIES

• Perform basic and translational research in areas related to radiotherapy, immunotherapy, drug discovery, and cancer biology.
• Develop new strategies and tools to define the roles and cellular/molecular mechanisms of radiotherapy in treating cancers.
• Perform in vitro and in vivo assays to study cancer initiation, development, and therapeutic resistance. 
• Perform data analyses of publicly accessible databases to support research projects in the laboratory.
• Ensure safety standards are maintained in the laboratory. Collaborate with other investigators at MDACC and outside institutions on research projects.
• Must be present physically to work a minimum of 40 hours per week in the institution.
• Must read and comprehend research literature and attend ongoing seminars to be well informed on the latest scientific developments in the field of interest.

EDUCATION

Required: Ph.D. in Cancer Biology or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Required: At least 2 years of Postdoctoral experience or equivalent time as a basic scientist Preferred: Three years of postdoctoral experience in cancer biology, radiation biology or related fields. Strong experience using mouse models in biomedical research.

OTHER

Preferred: Knowledge of cancer biology, pathology and radiobiology. Hands-on experience of molecular and cellular techniques, including but not limited to plasmid construction, Western blot, PCR and qPCR, IHC, immunofluorescence, and RNA sequencing etc. 

WORK CONDITIONS

Laboratory Environment: May involve exposure to toxins, allergens, radioactive compounds, and human-derived samples. Alertness and careful attention are required to avoid injury to self and others. Requires occasional weekend and evening work. Requires lifting, bending from the waist, and reaching above the shoulder to retrieve equipment, reagents, and other items weighing up to 20 lbs. Must be able to work on an instrument for several hours without a break; must be able to move between areas of the lab, or other buildings; must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time; must have good manual dexterity for digital manipulation and hand-to-eye coordination for manipulation of animals, test tubes, and other laboratory devices. Must be able to work with animals, mainly mice. 

Work Location: Onsite

This position has a target base salary of $ 65,000 to $ 80,000 and is eligible for incentive compensation, comprehensive health, wellness, time off, savings, and retirement benefits, as well as relocation support, as applicable.