Institute Senior Research Scientist, Radiochemistry, Radiotheranostics discovery

Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics, cellular therapies, and radiopharmaceuticals. 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 Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around multiple platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology), the Neurodegeneration Consortium, and most recently, RADIATE (Radiopharmaceuticals for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy).

The RADIATE platform is an industrialized translational research unit that aligns world-class radiopharmaceutical drug discovery and development with highly innovative science and clinical care research. Through an investment in patient-centric research, we have developed the infrastructure, platforms, and capabilities to enable transformative research, partnering with leading clinical research scientists and physicians for which MD Anderson is known. RADIATE’s approach combines large scale data science, innovative cancer genetics, disruptive radiopharmaceutical technologies, deep mechanistic biology, disease modeling, and pharmacology to accelerate the translation of novel discoveries.

As part of our mission, RADIATE is focused on partnering with our internal drug discovery engine (IACS, ORBIT, Biologics Development and Cell Therapies, TRACTION) and a growing list of external Partners to discover and develop the next generation of radionuclide theranostics, all driven by the needs we see in 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. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.

SUMMARY

The Institute Senior Research Scientist in Radiochemistry participates in cross-functional research to exploit novel oncology targets for radionuclide imaging and therapy, as well as to refine early hit and lead molecules for advancement into new molecular imaging agents and cancer medicines to benefit patients. The candidate will be a highly creative radiochemist with expertise in a wide variety of labeling approaches and radiopharmaceutical design, as well as broad expertise in various isotopes for imaging and therapy.  He/She will be responsible for the design, optimization, and radiolabeling strategy as it applies to small drug-like molecules, peptides, aptamers, and biologics, advancing early hits to leads and subsequently candidates. The individual will be responsible to undertake discovery radiochemistry operations and mature processes from research activities to mature, clinically-appropriate processes suitable for multi-site trials. By liaising with other members of the cross-functional project team, this individual will play a key role in the identification and optimization of the next generation of cancer therapeutics.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

·         Independently coordinates the application and development of a multi-disciplinary cadre of cutting-edge tools and methodologies to enable advancement of RADIATE projects through leadership and experimental activities.

·         Integrates with cross-functional teams to present research findings, interpret data, and develop solutions while making data driven decisions on program advancement.

·         Work with cross-functional teams to evaluate feasibility of new products or methods.

·         Analyzes data generated by various studies and leverages results for the design of future studies; leads integration of data to identify genes/pathways pertinent to tumor development and treatment; adapts to new technologies and find solutions to related program studies.

·         Work with translational and pharmacology teams as part of drug discovery efforts to validate targets and optimize novel radiopharmaceutical therapeutics.

·         Develop manufacturing methods for radioisotopes produced using a cyclotron, reactor, generator, or other particle accelerator.

·         Contribute to drug discovery radiopharmaceutical efforts to the selection of lead candidate molecules and transition into clinical development.

·         Adapt to new technologies and find solutions to related programs.

·         Contribute to the planning and development of new radiopharmaceuticals and analytical procedures.

·         Work closely with scientific staff to evaluate technical feasibility of new products.

·         Collaborate with engineers and other experts for target design, scale up from benchtop to hot cell operation and handover to operations.

·         Provide suggestions and critical input on new ideas and approaches to the PI.

·         Perform development and validation of synthesis of the novel PET/SPECT and radiotherapeutic tracers.

·         Characterize radiolabeled products, troubleshoots the process, and interprets data.

·         Optimize formulations and radiolabeling processes.

·         Utilize a broad spectrum of analytical techniques i.e. HPLC-MS, HPLC, iTLC, HPGe.

·         Develop associated analytical methods for characterization of radiolabeled products.

·         Troubleshoot radiochemistry issues using manual and automated approaches.

·         Plan strategies with lab members for both in-vitro and in-vivo studies using the various radiotracers.

·         Manage and perform all work in compliance with site safety and radiation protection guidelines for radiation safety, contamination control, radioactive waste management, and ensures functionality and calibration of radiation safety equipment in the Lab.

·         Assist other team members in the radioactive safety control management within their respective workspace.

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

·         Maintain high laboratory standards regarding quality and safety.

·         Employ safe lab practices.

·         Maintain research records and laboratory notes.

·         Lead drug discovery biology efforts to selection of lead candidate molecules and transition into clinical development.

·         Other duties as assigned.

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

Innovative Thinking - Approach problems with curiosity and open-mindedness; offer new ideas, solutions and/or options.

Self-Adaptability - Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.

Self-Confidence - Recognize own knowledge, skills, and abilities; respond to challenging situations with confidence; understand limits in self.

Team with Others - Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members; balance individual and team goals.

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

Coach and Develop - Assess strengths and development needs of employees; provide challenging development opportunities; provide relevant, timely feedback; mentor others.

Service Orientation

1.       Provide service to our customers, including patients, patient caregivers, referring physicians, external partners, and each other, in a reliable, responsive, safe, friendly, and courteous manner.

2.       Promotes collegiality by demonstrating respect and professionalism toward others at all times.

3.       Models safe, ethical behavior, mitigating risk to the institution through sound business practices, and adherence to MD Anderson's Standards of Conduct, institutional policies, and procedures.

4.       Meets time and attendance expectations and responds to requests in a timely manner, communicating expectations for procedures, service arrival, or project deliverables to patients and coworkers.

5.       Admits when wrong, apologizes, and take steps to resolve a situation to help to patients and coworkers before being asked.

People Leadership

1.       Provides development opportunities and ongoing feedback to employees.

2.       Provides clear direction and communication to employees within unit.

3.       Demonstrates social intelligence by pursuing awareness of the values and beliefs of self and others, and exercises cultural competence to interact effectively with cross-functional teams of employees with multicultural backgrounds.

4.       Manages operating expenses to budget.

5.       Completes required 16 hours of continuing education for people leadership skills per year.

6.       Complete Management Curriculum within required timeframe.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Frequency
Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and/or tissue
Hazardous Chemicals and Materials
Frequent 34-66%
Frequent 34-66%

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Frequency
Weight
Standing
Walking
Sitting
Reaching
Lifting
Pushing/Pulling
Frequent 34-66%
Occasionally 11-33%
Frequent 34-66%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%
Occasionally 11-33%
5-10 lbs
5-10 lbs