Job Description

Research Investigator

The Department primarily serves patients with cancers arising in the chest including lung and esophageal cancers, as well as less common thoracic malignancies. This site contains the Thoracic Surgery on-call schedule and clinical protocols.

The Departments' research program emphasizes cellular and molecular biology of thoracic cancers, and incorporates that knowledge into the development of novel cancer prevention and treatment strategies. This site serves as a repository for grant information, and manuscript policies and procedures.

SUMMARY
The primary purpose of the Research Investigator position is to plan, organize, coordinate and participate in scientific research projects under the direction of a professional staff member. Function in a separate and independent manner in the design and initiation of research experiments. Design, develop, or adapt equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Research Projects

Assist principal investigator with experimental cancer therapy research projects including development of novel therapeutic approaches for cancers, preclinical evaluation of anticancer agents in vitro and in vivo, identification predictive biomarkers associated with treatment responses and characterization of mechanisms of treatment responses

Development of novel therapeutic approaches for cancers
Establish in vitro cell cultures from primary tumors and cancer models
Performing in vitro tests on drug sensitivity and combination therapy in cultured cells.
Perform mechanistic characterization and biomarkers of treatment responses.

Preclinical evaluation of anticancer agents
Establishing and maintaining clinically relevant tumor models, such as PDXs
Performing in vivo studies, including drug activity and toxicity studies.
Developing in vivo resistant models, and performing mechanistic study

Biomarker and mechanistic characterization
Performing data analysis and statistical analysis to identify candidate molecules
Design and perform experiment to determine causal relationships

Record Keeping and Progress Consultation

Record keeping and data maintenance to meet supervisor, department / institute directives. Records experimental data by manually writing in a notebook or enter into a computer database. Collects and accurately calculate experimental data under the guidance of supervisor. Prepares graphs and charts by using computer. Maintains database for PDXs and cell lines. Import datasets to other departmental and institutional databases.

General Lab Duties

Assists with general lab functions as directed by research lab supervisor.
1. Assists with department tissue culture dream team duty
2. Coordinates the ordering of laboratory supplies
3. Participate in equipment validation & environmental monitoring of clinical trial
4. Coordinates supply redistribution and storage.
5. Coordinates the maintenance of departmental liquid nitrogen and freezers
6. Participates in an as needed basis on projects assigned by research lab supervisor.

Education Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Experience Required: Five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, three years of required experience.

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: 136546
* Employment Status: Full-Time
* Employee Status: Regular
* FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
* Work Week: Nights, Weekends
* Fund Type: Hard
* Pivotal Position: Yes
* Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 46,000
* Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 57,500
* Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 69,000
* Science Jobs: No