Research Scientist - Cancer Biology/Immunology

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.
The Research Scientist will be a senior member of a basic and translational cancer immunology research program that applies systems-level and mechanistic tools to discover regulators of tumor immune activation and suppression. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Scientist will lead various basic and translational research projects utilizing functional genomics and systems biology techniques as well as traditional cell biology and immunobiology tools including tumor-immune co-culture, flow cytometry and microscopy to investigate mechanisms of immune activation and suppression.
We are interested in hiring a responsible and enthusiastic individual with a strong understanding of cellular biology, an interest in cancer immunology, a desire for learning and career development and a motivation to contribute to the next generation of cancer therapies. The scientist should have significant wet lab experience in cancer biology and/or immunology and be self-driven and motivated with an interest in a mentorship and leadership role in training junior laboratory members. The scientist will design, conduct, and troubleshoot experiments, incorporate new protocols from the literature, and train and supervise junior laboratory personnel in these protocols. The scientist will also present regularly at seminars and conferences and work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator to write grants, scientific abstracts, and manuscripts for submission to top tier scientific journals. There are many resources for mentorship and career development throughout MD Anderson and the laboratory is located within the Zayed building, a modern, world-class research facility with state of the art equipment and a highly collaborative scientific culture.
KEY FUNCTIONS/JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
In collaboration with the Principal Investigator:
•Design, conduct, analyze, and troubleshoot scientific experiments with techniques ranging from molecular biology (PCR, cloning, DNA/RNA extractions, single-cell RNA-seq), cell culture (primary lymphocytes and immortalized cell lines) and manipulation including transfection and transduction, microscopy, flow cytometry, CRISPR screening, mouse tumor models including genetically engineered mouse models, and library prep for Illumina sequencing
•Supervise and train other laboratory personnel including technicians and students
•Present data at lab meetings, seminars, and conferences
•Read, evaluate, and summarize new publications and attend scientific meetings
•Assist in writing abstracts, manuscripts, and grants
•Maintain equipment and reagents
•Document experimental work; maintain clear and accurate records of laboratory data, both written and electronic, accessible at all times
EDUCATION
Required: PhD in biological or Medical degree and relevant research experience in mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, and molecular cloning.
Preferred: PhD or significant experience in cancer biology or immunology, mouse tumor models, primary T cell culture, lentiviral production and transduction, flow cytometry, and or use of python/R to analyze biological data
EXPERIENCE
Required: With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, three years of experience in
experimental or scientific work.
Preferred: Five years of related experience.
Education
Required: Masters degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.
Preferred: PhD or significant experience in cancer biology or immunology, mouse tumor models, primary T cell culture, lentiviral production and transduction, flow cytometry, and or use of python/R to analyze biological data
Experience
Required: Four years of experience in experimental or scientific work. With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.
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