In this position, we are seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented, PhD-level or equivalent scientist who wants to develop their career in neurodegeneration drug discovery research. At the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium, we are a non-profit biotechnology organization that translates cutting edge academic research from our collaborative network into drug discovery and eventually clinical trials. We have developed multiple large-scale collaborations with leading institutions in neuroscience and in biopharma and are seeking drug discovery scientists to lead innovative new programs. As we develop therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, we anticipate our clinical programs to impact cancer patients, who often experience neurological damage due to their disease or its treatment.
The Institute Research Investigator independently applies and develops cutting edge tools and methodologies to enable advancement of Institute projects through leadership and experimental activities. Analyze data generated by various studies and leverage results for the design of future studies. Adapt to new technologies and finds solutions to related program studies.
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Know your business:
* Independently proposes innovative solutions to research projects and contributes to project goals through laboratory experiments.
* Integrates a wide variety of data to identify genes/pathways pertinent to neurodegeneration and treatment.
* Works closely with research teams at MD Anderson and at our academic collaborators to identify opportunities leading to the discovery of neurodegeneration related genes/pathways to advance clinical therapeutic drug development.
* Demonstrates familiarity with complex culture systems including primary neuronal, astrocyte, or microglial cultures and patient derived iPSCs.
* Utilizes siRNA, inducible shRNA, dominant negative methods, and small molecule inhibitors to validate targets and biomarkers.
* Develops and utilizes molecular (i.e. immunofluorescence, live imaging, ELISA, Western, etc.) and/or functional (i.e. phagocytosis, cytokine secretion, axonal transport, etc.) cell based experiments
* Designs, optimizes and conducts in vitro and cell-based assays (functional and phenotypic assays) to support target validation, and address specific questions related to target engagement, efficacy and safety of new small molecule candidates.
Technical/Functional Expertise:
* Demonstrates technical proficiency required to do the job; possesses up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provides technical expertise to others.
* Applies basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work. Meets essential position requirements.
Know your business of your department/Institute:
* Adapts to new technologies and finds solutions to related program studies.
* Is highly collaborative, team-oriented, but also capable of working independently.
* Maintains high laboratory standards with regard to quality and safety.
* Employs safe lab practices.
* Maintains research records and laboratory notes.
Self-Adaptability:
* Works in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deals constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrates flexibility.
Change Agent:
* Has the ability to record, analyze, interpret and communicate scientific data with clear interpretation of results at laboratory, departmental, and international meetings.
* Participates in an integrated drug discovery research team.
* Interacts closely with other research staff across cross-functional groups.
Analytical Thinking:
* Gathers relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.
COMPETENCIES
* Analytical Thinking - Gathers relevant information systematically; breaks down problems into simple components; makes sound decisions.
* Develops Oneself - Pursues learning and self-development; actively seeks feedback; transfers learning into next steps; sets high standards of performance; drives for results and achievement.
* Self-Adaptability - Works in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deals constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrates flexibility.
* Team with Others - Initiates, develops, and manages relationships and networks; encourages collaboration and input from all team members; values the contributions of all team members; balances individual and team goals.
* Technical/Functional Expertise - Demonstrates technical proficiency required to do the job; possesses up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provides technical expertise to others.
Service Orientation:
Provides service to our stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, colleagues and each other, in a safe, courteous, accountable, efficient and innovative manner to include:
* Promoting collaboration that reflects respect and professionalism toward our stakeholders at all times
* Modeling safe, ethical behavior that mitigates risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson’s 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
People Leadership:
* Provides development opportunities and ongoing feedback to employees to include timely completion of administrative staff and classified employees each evaluation period.
* Provides clear direction and communication to employees within unit.
* Demonstrates cultural competence by creating a respectful and supportive environment for all team members within the unit.
* Has the personal qualities, skill set, and desire to train others and potentially manage technical staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Frequency
Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and/or tissue Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
Required: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.
Preferred: PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Six years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory With Master's degree, four years of required experience. With a PhD in a natural science or Medical degree, no experience required.
Preferred: Experience in neuroscience, immunology, and cell biology are a plus, industry experience is a plus but not required. Experience
technically Lysosomal Biology and Microglial Biology.
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
