Research Scientist - Cancer Systems Imaging

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Scientist position is to plan, design, oversee and perform research involving single-cell proteomic (CyTOF/mass cytometry and multiplexed imaging) approaches for studying phenotypic plasticity and therapy resistance in longitudinal clinical specimens (solid tumors and liquid biopsies) and patient derived organoids in a research program of an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging. The overall goal is to utilize innovative cancer systems biology approaches to develop tools at the translational forefront of cancer research, towards predicting and counteracting mechanisms of drug resistance and evaluating – at a personalized level – disease status and response to treatment in cancer patients. The Research Scientist functions in a separate and independent manner in the design and initiation of research experiments.  Designs, develops or adapts equipment and techniques used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.  Determines specific goals or objectives to be obtained, evaluates research data and develops and revises techniques or approaches to work problems.  Supervises the use of laboratory equipment and implements safety procedures.  Compiles, writes and submits project results to superiors.  He/She will work with laboratory personnel to enhance multi-disciplinary departmental collaborations.  The position will maintain professional and cooperative relationships with business partners, administrators, research scientists/investigators, trainees, and other academic professionals to ensure efficient communication, follow-thorough, and coordination of scientific goals.

MISSION STATEMENT
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.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Laboratory Experimentation  Develop patient-derived heterotypic organoids from patient liquid biopsies (from circulating tumor cells (CTCs)) for in vitro drug treatments and downstream applications such as live imaging, viability assays and multiplexed imaging (e.g. imaging mass cytometry, codex etc).
Perform and optimize conjugation and titration of antibodies for CyTOF and multiplexed imaging platforms.
Processing of cell lines and clinical specimens (solid tumors and liquid biopsies) for CyTOF and single-cell RNAseq analysis. Downstream analysis and summary of high-dimensional data.
Perform post-imaging and post-treatment analysis of organoids and tissues to characterize biomarkers relevant to therapy response and therapy resistance.
Utilize various computer software and databases to enter, retrieve, compile, and analyze data and prepare reports for review.
Establish and maintain research collaborations with academic researchers and other stakeholders in correlation with image-guided therapy projects.
Actively participates in preparing presentations and peer-reviewed publications, abstracts and manuscripts related to research outcomes.

Scientific Operations and Research Management     Utilize various computer software and databases to enter, retrieve, compile, and analyze data and prepare reports for review.
Establish and maintain research collaborations with academic researchers and other stakeholders in correlation with image-guided therapy projects.
Actively participates in preparing presentations and peer-reviewed publications, abstracts and manuscripts related to research outcomes.
Participate in preparing scientific portions of grant applications.

Data Presentation & Manuscript Preparation      Will record all documentation for experimental and project logistics and progression, intellectual property documentation, and for compliance. Will compile, write and submit project results to superiors.

Other Duties as Assigned  

Other duties as assigned