Research Scientist

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 33,000 - 49,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage starting day one

PTO accrual and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a Research Scientist to advance translational cancer research in a hybrid, on-site/remote environment at the Texas Medical Center. The role focuses on planning, coordinating, and leading studies that support personalized therapies for patients with advanced cancer.

Ideal candidates will have five+ years of leadership in in vivo research, experience with mouse models, and the ability to communicate findings to industry partners through

Qualifications

Master’s degree in natural sciences or related field required.
PhD in natural sciences or MD preferred.
Five+ years leading research projects in in vivo settings strongly desired.
Experience developing IACUC protocols and coordinating lab animal orders is a plus.
Ability to communicate findings to industry partners through meetings and reports.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, direct, and participate in experiments and assays related to patient samples.
Conduct in vivo studies from planning to reporting and supervise PDX work.
Lead laboratory staff and coordinate hiring/training of technicians.
Maintain data quality, journals, and prepare publications and grant submissions.
Develop and maintain IACUC protocols and ensure regulatory compliance.
Coordinate equipment maintenance and manage lab supply ordering.

Skills

In vivo animal studies

Project leadership

Team supervision

Data analysis

Scientific communication

Education

Master’s degree in natural sciences or related field

PhD in natural sciences or MD

Tools

PCR

Western blot

Flow cytometry

Mouse handling

Job description

The Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics conducts broad Phase 1 studies across disease boundaries and molecular targets. We strive to provide outstanding patient care while performing innovative Phase 1 trials with new drugs that may eventually improve the management of cancer.

The Research Scientist will play a key role in advancing translational cancer research by planning, coordinating, and leading research activities that support the development of personalized therapies for patients with advanced cancer. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, this role involves designing and executing research studies, analyzing data, processing patient samples, and contributing to high-quality scientific publications. Our lab specializes in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and molecular analysis to identify more effective, personalized cancer treatments. Candidates should have hands‑on experience with all aspects of in‑vivo small animal studies and understand how PDX models and molecular profiling support translational cancer research. Additional responsibilities include managing in‑vivo supply orders, developing and maintaining IACUC protocols, and providing guidance and supervision to junior PDX team members. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience leading in‑vivo studies from planning and execution through data analysis and final reporting.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience leading research projects and extensive hands‑on experience with mouse models and in‑vivo research. Prior experience managing research administrative activities, such as developing IACUC protocols and coordinating laboratory animal orders, as well as the ability to communicate research findings effectively to industry partners through meetings, presentations, and written reports is a plus.

Minimum $32.93 - Midpoint $41.11 - Maximum $49.28
The typical work schedule is Hybrid
Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, this role offers the opportunity to directly contribute to pioneering cancer therapies through cutting‑edge translational research. The position supports career growth by providing exposure to advanced laboratory techniques, leadership responsibilities, and collaboration with leading researchers, while maintaining a flexible hybrid work environment that promotes work‑life balance.

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 & Execution

Plan, organize, direct, and participate in experiments and assays related to patient sample processing
Perform technical research activities aligned with projects and grants led by the principal investigator
Determine and establish research goals and objectives
Plan and execute procedures in cell biology and biochemistry including tissue culture, PCR, western blot, and flow cytometry
Conduct in‑vivo studies, including full project execution from planning to reporting
Lead small animal testing, including placement and tracking of animal orders
Troubleshoot experimental challenges to ensure project success
Modify experimental procedures based on findings and literature review

Laboratory Operations & Sample Management

Process blood samples within two hours of receipt
Process, store, catalog, and analyze patient samples using biomarker assays such as ELISA
Provide laboratory services including tissue culture and sample processing
Maintain laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance
Ensure compliance with safety protocols for chemicals and hazardous materials
Manage laboratory inventory including biologics and supplies
Coordinate ordering of research materials and monitor supply levels
Maintain safety reports including chemical and radionuclide documentation

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Oversee personnel involved in research projects and monitor workflow
Assign, review, and evaluate work of laboratory staff
Interview and assist in hiring laboratory personnel
Train and supervise technicians in laboratory techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures
Collaborate with other laboratories and research teams
Communicate experimental design and results to investigators and research staff
Supervise junior PDX team members and support project coordination

Data Management & Reporting

Maintain detailed and organized laboratory journals and ensure team compliance
Monitor data quality, reproducibility, and research integrity
Analyze data using microscopy and image analysis systems
Interpret experimental results and adjust methodologies as needed
Compile and submit research findings to supervisors
Prepare scientific documents for publications and grant submissions
Present research results to professional groups and internal meetings
Review scientific literature and adapt new techniques for research improvement

Protocol Development & Compliance

Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and protocols
Write and implement all aspects of IACUC protocols
Monitor workflow efficiency and laboratory operations
Coordinate equipment maintenance and procurement
Support compliance with institutional and regulatory standards

EDUCATION

Required: A Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field
Preferred: A PhD Natural sciences or A Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: Four years Experimental or scientific work or two years experimental or scientific work with medical degree or No experience required with PhD
Preferred: Must have experience with mouse work and at least five years of experience leading research projects and experience. Prior experience managing research administrative activities, such as developing IACUC protocols and coordinating laboratory animal orders, as well as the ability to communicate research findings effectively to industry partners through meetings, presentations, and written reports is a plus.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

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

Additional Information