Research Investigator - Investigational Cancer Therapeutics

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is committed to eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through exceptional patient care, innovative research, prevention initiatives, and education. The Investigational Cancer Therapeutics department within the Division of Cancer Medicine focuses on advancing translational and laboratory research that supports the development of new cancer therapies and scientific discoveries.

The Research Investigator role is responsible for conducting major scientific and technical research activities with a high degree of independence under the direction of professional faculty leadership. The Research Investigator will support laboratory operations, experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. The Research Investigator also plays a key role in maintaining research quality, regulatory compliance, and collaboration across ongoing laboratory projects at UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate for this Research Investigator opportunity will possess advanced education and research experience in laboratory science, molecular biology, cancer biology, or a related field, along with demonstrated experience performing independent scientific investigations, analyzing complex data, and supporting research publications and grant activities. 

Salary Range: Minimum $59,000 - Midpoint $74,000 - Maximum $89,000

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator contributes directly to groundbreaking cancer research that advances scientific knowledge and supports the development of innovative treatments. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, participate in impactful translational studies, present findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to publications and grant development while building a rewarding research career in a collaborative academic environment.

• 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

Assume responsibility for general laboratory maintenance 

• Maintain procedures and protocols that ensure the quality and integrity of procedures performed
• Stores and maintain an electronic log of specific cell lines and plasmids in liquid nitrogen freezer and/or ultra cold freezers. 
• Monitor workflow as it pertains to the need for supplies, equipment maintenance, and preparing stock solutions. Keep ample stock of supplies on hand. Follow-up on orders and ensure organization and accessibility of all reagents Prepare stock solutions.
• Maintain an excellent working knowledge of all various basic laboratory equipment and apparatus and be able to read equipment operation manuals and procedure manuals. Monitors vital functions (temperature, CO2 levels, water levels, etc.) of major laboratory equipment with the aid of other laboratory personnel. Know the procedure for obtaining repair or maintenance for lab equipment
• Perform mycoplasma screening for cell cultures
• Oversee radiation safety. Prepare quarterly radiation safety reports. Assist in submission of biosafety reports. Accurately records the use and disposal of all hazardous materials.
• -Using a computer keyboard and software, writes protocols for the laboratory manual to be used by laboratory personnel or students.

Plan, organize, and execute the details of experiments. 

• Plan experiments under the general guidance of the supervisor
• Perform experiments as outlined by the supervisor to include preparation of reagents, execution of experiments, troubleshooting when experimental problems occur. Checks and provides a confidence level for the accuracy and reliability of the result and calculations.
• Prepares graphs, charts, and labeling of data from the experimental results. Presents and discusses all experimental data and experimental procedures used to obtain the data with the supervisor.
• Perform procedures involving tissue culture, growth assays, isolation and quantitation of DNA, RNA and protein, and western blotting, northern blotting, Southern blotting, immunofluorescence, tissue lysate arrays. Cloning of specific genes and structural, functional characterization of the genes.  These procedures require the ability of construction of genomic or cDNA libraries, screening and identification of genomic of cDNA clones, computer analyses of sequences, gene detection and cloning with PCR (polymerase chained reaction).  Extraction of protein from tumor cells utilizing a tissue homogenizer, column chromatography, ultracentrifugation, and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
• Perform the experiments in a professional and conscientious manner
• Collect and process surgical and biopsy specimens from the image-guided biopsies, frozen section suite, or pathology laboratory. Maintain an organized patient and sample database.
• Perform animal work and experiments according to established protocols and guidelines.
• Maintain assertiveness and flexibility in approaching new techniques and responsibilities, utilizing good work habits and time management.
• Maintain alertness and careful attention to avoid injury to self and others due to chemicals and hazardous materials in the laboratory.
• Perform intricate, highly technical laboratory experiments utilizing analytical and problem-solving skills as well as manual dexterity.   Must be capable of understanding and interpreting complex sets of data, as well as performing computational as well as statistical equations.

Independently maintain experimental records and to prepare written reports to supervisor.

• Maintain an up-to-date, organized, and legible laboratory journal that records all experiments in detail.
• Independently organize and analyze data. Communicate closely with the P.I. to design and interpret experimental results 
• Prepare materials for oral and written communication including manuscripts, abstracts, slides posters and grants.
• Present research findings at local, regional and national scientific meetings by speaking in a clear, pleasant understandable and knowledgeable manner.
• Assist in obtaining institutional approval for laboratory protocols and animal protocols.

Work closely with other staff members.

• Assist the organization of the lab
• Maintain good working relationship with other lab members.
• Instruct new members of the lab.
• Explain to staff members the scientific protocols currently being employed in the laboratory.
• Have direct involvement and responsibility for all on-going research projects in the assigned research laboratory.