The Institute Associate Scientist II participates in cross-functional research to identify and validate novel biomarkers and patient responder hypotheses, and translate these findings into novel oncology therapeutic agents to benefit patients.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

1.Under moderate supervision perform tissue culture techniques to establish ex vivo oncology model systems from patient derived samples (e.g. organoids in matrigel).

2.Utilize common molecular and cell biology skills including immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, RNAscope, single cell sequencing, etc., to characterize and biobank models.

3.In collaboration with project teams, utilize genetic and pharmacologic tools and ex vivo systems to define mechanism of biology and discover/validate biomarkers that will be used to stratify patients for clinical testing of therapeutics.

4.Interact with computational biologists, program biologists, in vivo pharmacologists, pharmacokinetic scientists, and disease expert pathologists to establish dose-response-efficacy relationships, inform on tumor biology, and evaluate combinations to inform on future clinical studies.

5.Effectively communicate program progress/issues to colleagues and contribute to project success.

6.Under minimal supervision, design, execute, document and interpret experiments.

7.Analyze, prepare, and present data in project team and other internal meetings as needed.

8.Employ safe lab practices.

CORE COMPETENCIES

1.Self Motivation (Independent Contributor): Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement.

• Use standards set by management. Take ownership for actions. Continually meet department goals.

• Demonstrate a personal sense of urgency in getting results. Use personal and management standards to complete assignments.

2.Technical/Functional Expertise (Independent Contributor): Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.

• Apply basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work. Meet essential position requirements.

• Seek experiences and knowledge in technical/functional areas to gain additional expertise. Troubleshoot systems/processes effectively.

3.Analytical Thinking (Independent Contributor): Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

• Recognize simple cause and effect relationships. Diagnose problems by breaking them down into simple tasks or activities.

• Identify relationships among a few parts of a problem. Scan own knowledge and experience base to determine potential solutions.

4.Team with Others (Independent Contributor): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members, and those beyond team; balance individual and team goals.

• Support and show respect to team members. Recognize how individual actions affect the team.

• Model team qualities, i.e. respect helpfulness and coping. Support team decisions once they are made and help to implement.

Working Conditions

Laboratory environment

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

__No

_X Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

X No

__ Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

__No

_X Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

__No

_X Yes

Exposure to radiation

X No

__ Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

x

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

X

10lbs to 50 lbs

X

More than 50 lbs

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

X

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: One year of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, no required experience.

Preferred: Experience with ex vivo organoid

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: 167322

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 64,875

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 82,500

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 97,400

• 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

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