Principal Scientific Advisor

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The is Principal Scientific Advisor responsible for the development, strategic planning, management, and supervision of biomarker/drug discovery, target identification, validation, translational research and clinical positioning of the Thoracic/Head & Neck Therapeutics Program (THNTP).

KEY FUNCTIONS

1.    Work with Department Chair to lead program in support of Thoracic and Head & Neck Medical Oncology’s (THNMO) drug discovery and development programs for both the Thoracic and Head & Neck Medical Oncology sections, through strategy and execution for THNMO’s drug discovery development portfolio.
2.    As a member of Thoracic/Head & Neck Therapeutics Program (THNTP) leadership team, work alongside program director and chair to set strategic goals for the program including research and commercialization initiatives.
3.    Oversee day-to-day operation of the program by overseeing the management of THNTP research projects, production activities and provide functional and technical management to scientific personnel.
4.    Provide direction to overall business plan, scientific proposal and project development, budget proposals, and sustainability plans for the program. 
5.    Collect data supporting the metrics that measure research outcomes for experimental and/or new research initiatives, and report results.
6.    Establish the strategy for research and development of highly advanced new technologies and processes through novel ideas and approaches to differentiate the program from competition by innovative and impactful technologies for better diagnostics, data integration, and profiling to build the program’s brand. 
7.    Identify opportunities to fund, develop, protect, and license intellectual property arising from discoveries made by THNMO/THNTP projects. 
8.    Build and manage strong collaborative relationships with internal and, importantly, external groups, including academic, scientific and industry/corporate partners. Coordinate community outreach initiatives to educate the public on the goals of the program, promote research goals and engage with the community.  
9.    Apply expertise in cancer biology, pharmacology, and drug development to direct overall preclinical and translational research strategy and projects. In support of THNMO’s mission, establish collaborations with clinical development teams to design and execute preclinical studies.
10.    Translate the Program’s innovative research and findings for publication and addition to the growing field of microbiome to market the Program and meet the goals of the THNTP. 
11.    Work with the Chair on recruitment and retention of top-notch collaborative and innovative team members.
12.    Maintain the Program’s goals of quarterly and yearly meetings on research, educational sessions, and Team Science approach in line with academia, government, healthcare and other allied industries to meet THNTP initiatives. 
13.    Oversee the fiscal activities of the program including budgeting, reporting and audit. 
14.    Work with related Moon Shots, Strategic Ventures and Development office to ensure financing to support short- and long-term goals, including fund raising initiatives through grant support, corporate and non-profits sources. Partner with Philanthropy to strategically plan fundraising goals for the THNTP program and cultivate relationships with potential donors.
15.    Manage or oversee physical resources and resource allocation dedicated to the THNTP, including space planning, inventory control and property maintenance.
16.    Stay abreast and implement as appropriate new technologies and processes to enable more rapid translation of findings into clinical applications and deploy new technologies to enhance therapeutics discovery or cellular therapy capabilities.