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Research Scientist, Immunotherapy Platform
Under the direction of Sonali Jindal, Ph.D., Institute Associate Director, the Principal Investigator. The Research Scientist position will support the Immunotherapy Platform under the Allison Institute. The individual will leverage technical expertise and experience to plan, coordinate, design, and assist in the execution of laboratory research projects, as well as evaluate and interpret research data to support high-quality publications. Responsibilities also include assisting with the optimization of assays and equipment to achieve desired research outcomes, compiling and submitting reports to leadership, and the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel in proper laboratory techniques, equipment usage, and safety protocols.
Image Acquisition Functions - Utilize experience and knowledge with Imaging and 3D Image Analysis and understand invivo and invitro assay for 3 Imaging. Demonstrate deep knowledge of adaptive to innate immunity, from infectious disease to tumor immunity, and understand how cells dynamically interact to how proteins controlling cytoskeletal functions affect cell survival in tissue.
Independently organizes, coordinates, directs and participates in scientific research projects.
Spatial Analysis Functions - Develop expertise to conduct spatial assays including Nanostring GeoMX DSP and CosMx to run projects on protein profiling in FFPE tissues. Design and develop a flexible workflow that allows a tailored approach to the numerous projects requiring these technologies. Optimize morphological markers specific for each project. Perform analysis of the protein profiling assay and assist with preparation of scientific figures. Conduct Image spatial analysis. Implement an image analysis workflow for both brightfield and multiplex IF methodologies (i.e. CODEX/Fusion) using numerous image analysis and data analysis software such as Halo, QuPath, R Studio, visiopharm and CytoMap/MatLab. Follow the current scientific literature for recent spatial analysis trends and evaluate new spatial analysis technologies to assess their implement ability with the current in-house analysis pipeline.
Utilize Novel imaging methods and utilize these advanced imaging techniques to uncover a fundamental strategy to understand immune interactions within TME. Train peers and junior lab members on image analysis and QC criteria.
Key Laboratory Functions - Organizes and assists with analysis of data from the different clinical trials to be presented at different meetings. Performs the development or adapting of equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results and maintain records of runs and updated SOPs to be used in the lab.
Assist in the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of equipment, and safety procedures. Monitors patients' tissue samples being used for different spatial assays for collective downstream data analysis.
Perform other tasks as assigned
EDUCATION:
Required: Masters degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.
Preferred: PhD in Immunology.
EXPERIENCE:
Required: Four years of experience in experimental or scientific work. With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.
Preferred: Experience in Immunology, Flow Cytometry, Computational.
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
