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Research Investigator - GI Medical Oncology
Research Investigator
The Research Investigator for Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology plays a critical role within the Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology program, a specialized clinical and research area focused on advancing the understanding, detection, and treatment of gastro‑esophageal cancers. This role supports complex translational and non‑clinical research initiatives in close partnership with Principal Investigators and multidisciplinary collaborators.
As part of MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Research Investigator for Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology contributes to an institution recognized worldwide for its commitment to cancer care, research, education, and prevention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Research Investigator for Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology applies scientific expertise to drive impactful research that informs clinical practice and improves patient outcomes. The Research Investigator for Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology is expected to work independently while collaborating across departments to support high‑impact research projects from design through dissemination.
The ideal candidate demonstrates strong scientific curiosity, technical research expertise, and the ability to manage complex translational research projects, with experience supporting oncology or immunology‑focused studies, handling human specimens, managing research data systems, and contributing to scientific manuscripts and presentations.
Position Information
Salary: $59,000 – $74,000 - $89,000
Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative cancer research that advances scientific discovery and patient care at MD Anderson. Team members are supported through meaningful work, collaboration with leading experts, and resources that promote professional growth and work‑life balance.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Research Planning and Execution
• Plan, organize, and support Principal Investigators in directing complex research projects focused on detection and elimination of gastro‑esophageal cancers
• Design non‑clinical research protocols, standard operating procedures, and experiments aligned with project objectives
• Independently evaluate research data and revise techniques or approaches to address new experimental challenges
Specimen Processing and Laboratory Coordination
• Process specimens from clinical studies, including blood, ascites, and tissue samples
• Categorize slides and tissue blocks and document specimen availability within project databases
• Coordinate requests for re‑cuts, frozen sections, and sequencing tasks with central laboratory facilities in alignment with project goals
Data Management and Clinical Data Support
• Maintain accurate and project‑specific research databases
• Assist with clinical data inventory using Excel and REDCap systems
• Extract and manage relevant clinical data from Epic
Scientific Writing and Dissemination
• Demonstrate strong scientific writing skills by preparing manuscript drafts
• Collaborate on abstracts, posters, and publications to disseminate research findings
• Participate in verbal presentations of research outcomes
Collaboration and Additional Duties
• Collaborate with internal departments and research partners to advance project goals
• Apply in‑depth knowledge of cancer biology, human immunology, and immune monitoring methodologies to translational research
• Perform other duties as assigned or required
EDUCATION
- Required: Bachelor's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
- Preferred: Master's Degree natural sciences or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: Five years Scientific or experimental research work or three years with preferred degree.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
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
