Institute Associate Scientist III - Drug Discovery Biology

MD ANDERSON THERAPEUTICS DISCOVERY DIVISION

Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof.

The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around four platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) and the Neurodegeneration Consortium.

The TRACTION platform is an industrialized translational research unit that aligns world-class drug discovery and development with highly innovative science and clinical care research. Through an investment in patient-centric research, we have developed the infrastructure, platforms, and capabilities to enable transformative research, partnering with leading clinical research scientists and physicians for which MD Anderson is known. TRACTION's approach combines large scale data science, innovative cancer genetics, disruptive technologies, deep mechanistic biology, disease modeling, and pharmacology to accelerate the translation of novel discoveries.

As part of our mission, TRACTION is focused on partnering with our internal drug discovery engine (IACS, ORBIT, Biologics Development and Cell Therapies) and a growing list of external Partners (Boehringer Ingelheim, Taiho, Blueprint Medicines, Schrödinger and Obsidian) to discover and develop the next generation of small-molecule targeted therapies, antibody therapeutics and cell therapies, all driven by the needs we see in our patients.

We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation's leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.

We are seeking highly creative, collaborative, and motivated scientists to join our growing team. The Institute Associate Scientist III will participate in cross-functional research to identify and validate novel oncology targets, as well as translate these findings into transformative oncology therapies to benefit patients. The candidate will, under minimal supervision, contribute to the development, validation, implementation, and execution of mechanistic and functional studies to support the advancement of therapies attacking novel targets by defining target biology and developing translational strategies. These efforts will allow us to advance therapeutics currently under development by TDD and our partners.

As a part of the Therapeutics Discovery team, you will have the opportunity to use your talents to make a direct impact on the lives of our patients. This position will require a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and who can effectively engage with multi-disciplinary drug discovery teams.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Under minimal supervision, execute cell biology experiments as defined by project leaders to enable data-driven decisions on advancing portfolio programs.

2. Use cutting edge tools and technologies, the candidate will explore intrinsic and extrinsic effects of target modulation on the tumor, e.g., impact on the immune system, cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor heterogeneity, and mechanisms of resistance both in vitro and in vivo .

4. Leverage genetic and pharmacological tools to generate data packages around target validation, target biology, and the translational development of novel therapeutics and combinations.

5. Conduct a wide variety of assays, including but not limited to: Western blotting, viral transduction, qPCR, genome editing and cell phenotypic/proliferation assays, ChIP-Seq/RIP-seq, flow cytometry, 3D culture/tissue modeling, immune-phenotyping, and high-content imaging.

6. Employ safe lab practices.

7. Maintain research records and laboratory notes.

8. Participate in integrated drug discovery research project teams.

EDUCATION:
Required: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Three years of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, one year of required experience.

Preferred: Two plus years experience working in a drug-discovery or biotech environment in the fields of Biology, Molecular Biology or Cell Biology. Experience working in matrixed project teams valued. In addition, experience in ChIP-Seq/RIP-seq, flow cytometry, 3D culture/tissue modeling, immune-phenotyping, and/or high-content imaging is preffered.

Experience in standard cell culture techniques, Western blotting, viral transduction, qPCR, genome editing and cell phenotypic/proliferation assays is required.

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. [Register to View] Information

• Requisition ID: 149282
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Work Week: Days
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 66,800
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 83,400
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 100,000
• Science Jobs: Yes