Research Scientist - Nuclear Medicine Research

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution dedicated to eliminating cancer through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, prevention programs, and education. The Research Scientist role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to innovative scientific discoveries that support the institution’s mission across Texas, the nation, and the world.

Within the Nuclear Medicine Research Dept, the Research Scientist serves as an independent scientific contributor responsible for planning, designing, and executing complex research projects. The Research Scientist develops experimental approaches, evaluates research outcomes, mentors laboratory personnel, and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams. The Research Scientist plays a key role in advancing therapeutic and imaging research through synthetic organic chemistry and scientific leadership. UT MD Anderson provides a collaborative environment that supports scientific innovation and professional growth.

The ideal candidate possesses a Doctorate in a natural science or related field, along with deep expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, reaction design, compound purification, chromatography, crystallization, NMR-based structure assignment, mass spectrometry, and multi-step organic synthesis. Experience with reaction scale-up, radiochemistry, Excel, GraphPad, and scientific publication, patent, or grant preparation is highly desirable.

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role contributes directly to advancing cancer research through innovative discovery and scientific excellence. The position offers opportunities to lead impactful research initiatives, collaborate with multidisciplinary experts, publish scientific findings, support intellectual property development, and advance professional growth while contributing to an organization focused on improving lives through research, education, prevention, and patient care.

• 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 & Experimental Design

• Design and execute the synthesis of organic compounds for therapeutic and imaging applications.
• Leverage structural biology or computational approaches when applicable to support research objectives.
• Purify synthetic products and confirm molecular structure through NMR and/or mass spectrometry.
• Perform and oversee additional compound characterization activities as required.
• Design experiments, establish scientific objectives, evaluate research data, and develop or revise techniques to address research challenges.

Research Management

• Monitor synthetic drug discovery and organic chemistry operations.
• Maintain a safe laboratory environment and enforce safety procedures.
• Design, develop, or adapt published procedures to achieve desired experimental outcomes.
• Cultivate, manage, and strengthen collaborative relationships to support laboratory project milestones.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, safety standards, policies, and procedures.

Scientific Operations, Data Collection & Analysis

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, physicians, and external partners to advance research initiatives.
• Drive industry collaborations that support laboratory objectives and scientific progress.
• Develop and report metrics that measure outcomes of experimental and new research initiatives.
• Provide scientific leadership and oversee day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Utilize MestreNova, TopSpin, and related NMR/MR software to process and interpret data.
• Analyze experimental data using Excel and GraphPad.
• Compile, write, and submit experimental results supporting patents, publications, and grant applications.

Data Presentation & Documentation

• Record documentation for synthetic procedures and compound analyses.
• Maintain records supporting publications, intellectual property documentation, and regulatory compliance.
• Compile, write, and submit project findings and research reports to leadership as requested.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Function independently in the design and initiation of research experiments.
• Evaluate research data and develop innovative approaches to solve scientific problems.
• Train and mentor selected laboratory personnel.
• Engage with internal and external laboratories to strengthen multidisciplinary collaborations.
• Maintain productive relationships with business partners, administrators, investigators, and academic professionals.