Institute Associate Scientist III Cell Therapy

The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT-MDACC) strives to eliminate cancer in Texas, the United States, and the World by implementing outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, and prevention, as well as by educating undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the general public.
The Therapeutics Discovery Division (TDD) at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a potent engine driving the future of innovative targeted, immune-, and cell-based medicines. Therapeutics Discovery reduces bottlenecks in traditional drug discovery by bringing together a diverse team of committed researchers, clinicians, drug developers, and scientific experts to develop small-molecule therapeutics, biologics, and cellular therapies. Our innovative structure and collaborative approach enable the team to work swiftly and efficiently, bringing breakthrough medications from concept to clinic - all under one roof. The Therapeutics Discovery Division is organized 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 (NDC).
The goal of the ORBIT Platform is to make MDACC a recognized leader in the discovery and development of novel biologics that help patients overcome cancer. ORBIT is a centralized MDACC entity tasked with guiding, informing, accelerating, and carrying out the innovative discoveries into clinically useful cancer bio-therapeutics. We are committed to biologics development that meets industrial standards, with the goal of integrating scientific quality with commercialization.
Position Summary
We are seeking a highly capable Institute Associate Scientist III to join our efforts in the discovery and development of novel anti-cancer biologics and Cell Therapy products. The successful candidate will participate in cross-functional research activities to identify and validate targets, as well as translate these discoveries into novel oncology therapeutic agents for patients' benefit. This position requires a highly self-motivated individual with outstanding organizational skills who is capable of effectively presenting results and conclusions to co-workers, collaborators, and the leadership team. Candidates with experience in high-dimensional flow-cytometry, including CyTOF and in vivo mouse models, will be given preference, particularly in handling and characterizing cells and tissues obtained from mice.
Key Responsibilities:
* Perform pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) assays for in vivo models.
* Generate and expand genetically modified immune cells.
* Using lab-established SOPs, assist in the characterization of Cell Therapy products using ELISA, MSD, q-PCR, flow cytometry, and other functional assays.
* Execute immunoassay manipulations in various formats.
* Assist in the design, execution, and validation of experiments, studies, and/or research models.
* Participate in integrated drug discovery research by interacting with scientists from various disciplines.
* Record and evaluate data using the specified methods, and present results to the project team.
* Ability to work well under pressure and drive team goals that impact critical deadlines.
Skills:
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills are must.
* Strong organizational abilities, as well as the capacity to manage multiple projects at once, are necessary.
* Dedication, focus, quick learning abilities, and the aptitude to multitask.
* Intellectually curious and well informed on the latest scientific advances in the field is preferred.
* Demonstrated creativity and novel approaches to solve scientific problems is preferred.
* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with others are necessary.
* Detail-oriented with excellent record-keeping skills is required.
* The ability to properly present scientific data and concepts is a must.
EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
Preferred: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Three years of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.
Preferred: Experience in in vivo model and flow-cytometry. Experience in immune cell culture, cell-based assays, CAR-T Cell Therapy, ELISA or MSD. Previous experience in biotech/pharma specialized in antibody discovery and development projects is highly preferable.
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: 164962
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 76,650
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 95,300
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 114,975
• 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