Institute Research Scientist, Translational Biology

MD Anderson Therapeutics Discovery Division

Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies the Therapeutics Discovery Division (TDD), a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery by employing a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers, and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics, and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently – all under the same roof.

The TRACTION platform

The Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology (TRACTION) platform is an industrialized translational research group that aligns world-class drug discovery and development with highly innovative the science and clinical care research, for which MD Anderson Cancer Center is known.  Through an investment in patient-centric research, we have developed the infrastructure, platforms, and capabilities to enable transformative research.  TRACTION’s approach combines innovative cancer genetics, disruptive technologies, deep mechanistic biology, disease modeling, and pharmacology to accelerate the translation of novel discoveries into definitive clinical hypotheses.  By partnering with the drug discovery engines within Therapeutics Discovery, we aim to advance a portfolio of small molecules, biologics, and cell therapies for our patients.  We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation’s leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively.

Position Description
The Institute Research Scientist (RS) applies extensive biology and drug development expertise to lead a cross-functional research team that is tasked with identifying and validating novel oncology hypotheses to advance the development of a clinic ready therapeutic. Specifically, with guidance, the ideal candidate will deploy and integrate state-of-the-art disease models, molecular, cellular, pathology and computational biology tools and expertise that reside within TRACTION, MD Anderson, and our corporate partners.  Success will be measured by the ability of the RS to incorporate and translate deep biology insights into the clinic where advanced oncology therapeutic agents will be positioned with testable hypotheses and biomarkers that will maximally benefit patients by creating novel contexts and combinations that will maximize therapeutic impact.

Key Functions                                                           

1.       Apply expert knowledge of tumor biology in areas such as immune oncology, oncogenic signaling, metabolism, epigenetics, cell cycle regulation and/or DNA damage, as well as up-to-date understanding of cancer clinical landscape, to enable progression of innovative drug candidates into the clinic through leadership and collaborative experimental activities.

2.       With guidance, independently manage cross-functional drug-discovery and translational biology programs  to identify and validate hypotheses and biomarkers that can be tested in clinical trials. 

3.       Collaborate with computational biologists using patient-centric –omics databases to enable translational biology hypothesis generation and design studies for validation in clinically relevant contexts.

4.       Design, execute, analyze, and interpret in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments supporting the development of compounds entering the clinic or in early clinical studies, including: (i) develop patient stratification strategies, (ii) identify mechanisms of tumorigenesis and drug resistance, and (iii) design and validate drug combination strategies and biomarkers to establish proof of biology.

5.       Develop and manage collaborative relationships with internal and external groups.

6.       Monitor, track and document activities and deliverables of project team.

7.       Interpret, present, and report research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.

8.       Use independent thinking and leadership skills to manage resources and program and be impactful. 

9.       Work well under pressure and drive projects that impact critical timelines.