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Institute Senior Research Scientist, Translational Biology
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 Translational Biology participates in cross-functional research to identify and validate novel oncology targets and applies deep biological insights to then translate these findings into novel oncology therapeutic agents to benefit patients.
KEY FUNCTIONS:
1. 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.
2. Integrates with cross-functional teams to present research findings, interpret data, and develop solutions while making data driven decisions on program advancement.
3. Independently designs, executes, and interprets in vitro, ex-vivo, and in vivo experiments to validate and explore therapeutic potential of drug targets and drive therapeutic development programs.
4. Works with research and bioinformatics teams to utilize internal biological and oncogenomic data sets to generate and test biological hypotheses.
5. 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.
6. Work with medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, and pharmacology teams as part of drug discovery efforts to validate targets and optimize novel radiopharmaceutical therapeutics.
7. Lead drug discovery biology efforts to selection of lead candidate molecules and transition into clinical development.
8. Develop and implement biomarker strategies to guide early clinical development of drugs.
9. Design and develop cell and molecular assays to define mechanism of action for compounds, identify pharmacodynamic assays to be used in pre-clinical and clinical setting and test patient selection strategies.
10. Develop extensive knowledge and experience in key areas of tumor biology including, but not limited to radiation biology, oncogenic signaling, tumor microenvironment, tumor immunology, metabolism, epigenetic deregulation, or apoptosis.
11. Interpret, present and report research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
12. Maintain high laboratory standards regarding quality and safety.
13. Employ safe lab practices.
14. Maintain research records and laboratory notes.
15. Lead drug discovery biology efforts to selection of lead candidate molecules and transition into clinical development
16. 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 to 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
EDUCATION:
Required: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.
Preferred: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Eight years experience of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, three years of required experience.
Preferred:
At least two years of relevant experience in oncology research in biotech or pharmaceutical environment.
Evidence of utilization of cancer genetics to inform on target discovery, validation or on clinical development of drug candidates.
Experience with genetic (ie RNAi and cDNAs) and pharmacological (i.e. small molecule inhibitors or antibodies) approaches to study target biology utilizing state of the art molecular biology and biochemistry methods and assays essential to drive projects.
Experience working with chemists, in vitro and in vivo pharmacologists to develop and utilize assays in support of the development of small molecules for target validation and as part of compound lead optimization for the development of novel therapeutics is highly desirable.
A demonstrated track record in the development and implementation of functional genomics strategies to enable systematic investigation into mechanisms of tumorigenesis and drug resistance.
Broad knowledge of cell culture techniques is required and knowledge of how to utilize in vivo oncology models is desirable. Hands-on experience working in the theranostics field is preferred.
Extensive knowledge and experience in key areas of tumor biology including, but not limited to oncogenic signaling, tumor microenvironment, tumor immunology, metabolism, epigenetic deregulation, or anti-apoptosis as evidenced by publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Strong data analysis skills, ability to interpret results and contribute to the design of follow-up experiments, troubleshoot issues with assay performance, and effectively present results and conclusions to co-workers, collaborators and senior leadership.
Evidence of independent thinking and leadership skills are vital. Ability to work well under pressure and drive projects that impact critical timelines is essential.
Flexibility to accommodate to rapidly changing priorities and deadlines is required
Collaborative attitude and ability to work in a team-based environment is crucial for this position.
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experience mentoring junior scientists.
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
