Job Description

Research Investigator

Members of the Neurosurgery department provide the highest quality, state-of-the art care for patients with benign or malignant tumors affecting the central nervous system. Our team of world-renowned neurosurgeons dedicate their practice exclusively to the care of patients with brain or spine tumors.

SUMMARY

Applies technical expertise and experience to plan, coordinate, design, supervise and carry out research projects.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Scientific Research Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs and participates in scientific research projects.
Assigns and reviews work of subordinates, determines specific goals or objectives to be attained, evaluates resulting research data and revises techniques or approaches to work problems. Functions in a separate and independent manner in the design of research experiments, specifically in basic and translational research in the areas of tumor growth and progression in the brain Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results. The Research Investigator will generate and characterize mouse xenograft models and primary cell culture systems. Utilizes initiative and inventiveness in planning and executing the details of experiments.
Design & Development Supervises the design, development or adapting of equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results. Under the direction of the principal investigator, develop new areas of investigation based upon prior experience. Apply a variety of basic research techniques in the areas of developmental and tumor-induced angiogenesis in the brain. The Research Investigator will be responsible for laboratory management, order procurement, and mouse colony maintenance. Remain current on literature and techniques relating to field of investigator. Present data at weekly laboratory meetings within the department.

Reporting Knowledge of the institutions safety requirements and procedures in general laboratory practice. Compiles with departmental and institutional policies regarding biochemical and radiation safety educational requirements. Must follow instruction of laboratory procedures on safe handling and disposal of radioactive and biohazardous materials. Maintain records of all radioisotopes purchases, handling, storage and disposal in accordance with UTMDACC and government regulations. Orders laboratory supplies and reagents; monitors arrival and distribution. Maintains laboratory cell stocks, including an inventory log

Other duties as assigned

COMPETENCIES

Analytical Thinking - Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

Oral Communication - Express ideas clearly and concisely in groups and one-to-one conversations; create an environment with open channels of communication.

Strategic Thinking - Define strategic goals and issues clearly; apply broad knowledge and experience when addressing strategic issues; foresee obstacles and opportunities relating to change or improvement.

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

Service Orientation
Provide service to our stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, colleagues and each other, in a safe, courteous, accountable, efficient and innovative manner to include:

* Promoting inclusiveness and collegiality that demonstrates respect and professionalism to our stakeholders at all times
* Modeling safe, ethical behavior that mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Andersons Standards of Conduct, institutional policies and procedures
* Responding to requests in a timely manner while proactively communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to stakeholders
* Using the steps to HEAL (Hear, Empathize, Address and Learn) the relationship when service recovery is needed

Customer Focus
Builds and maintains customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization through skills demonstrated in communication, personalization of interaction, regulation of emotions, and proactive problem solving.

Performance Statement Examples

* Presents a cheerful, positive manner with customers either on the phone or in person. Shows interest in, actively listens to and responds in a clear and timely manner to customer's expressed needs.
* Focuses on the customer's results, rather than own. Goes beyond basic service expectations to help customers implement complete solutions through personalized service that anticipates the customer's unspoken needs.
* Delivers services when and where the customer needs them. Explores options when unable to deliver a requested product or service, and pursues solutions until the customer is satisfied by addressing the root cause of the issue. Problem solves with patient, family member, care giver or clinical team to aid in proactively resolving issues and concerns.
* Provides to customers status reports and progress updates. Seeks customer feedback and ensures needs have been fully met.
* Talks to customers (internal and external) with a pleasant tone to find out what they need and how satisfied they are with the service. Remains in control of own reactions and responds in a manner that demonstrates appropriate nonverbal cues and complements the customer's emotions in the situation. Recognizes when its is necessary to escalate situations to leadership to ensure customer satisfaction.

Education Required: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree 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

Additional Information

* Requisition ID: 137410
* Employment Status: Full-Time
* Employee Status: Regular
* FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
* Work Week: Day/Evening
* Fund Type: Soft
* Pivotal Position: Yes
* Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 53,200
* Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 66,500
* Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 79,800
* Science Jobs: Yes