Research Scientist - Cancer Systems Imaging

MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer research institution in Houston, Texas, is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to lead research on tumor metabolism and mitochondrial communication. Key responsibilities include designing and executing in vivo and in vitro studies, and developing imaging techniques. Ideal candidates should have a PhD and expertise in related fields. Excellent benefits include medical, dental, paid time off, and educational opportunities.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Paid time off

Tuition benefits

Educational opportunities

Qualifications

• Expertise in metabolism-focused research.
• Strong interest in mitochondrial organelle communication.
• 4 years of Experimental or scientific work, or 2 years with medical degree.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments investigating tumor metabolism.
• Lead development of multi-modality imaging techniques.
• Analyze imaging datasets to assess tumor metabolism.

Skills

Animal handling

Confocal and live-cell imaging

Pharmacokinetics/biodistribution analysis

Education

PhD in Natural sciences or Medical Degree

Tools

ImageJ

Imaris

MATLAB

RStudio

GraphPad Prism

Job description

The mission of The University of Texas MD 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 Summary

The Han Lab in the Department of Cancer Systems Imaging at MD Anderson Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research Scientist to lead and support cutting-edge research projects focused on tumor-immune metabolic interplay, with an emphasis on organelle communication and the characterization of metabolite flux within the tumor microenvironment.

This role involves significant responsibilities for the design, execution, and interpretation of in vivo and in vitro studies, integration of multi-modality imaging platforms, biochemical assays and -omics technologies. The Research Scientist will function independently in the design, planning, execution, and oversight of designated research projects, as well as logistical coordination of project milestones and deliverables.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have a PhD and demonstrate expertise in animal handling, confocal and live-cell imaging, and pharmacokinetics/biodistribution analysis. Prior experience in metabolism-focused research and a strong interest in mitochondrial organelle communication are highly desirable.

Job Specific Competencies

• Research Planning and Experimental Design (Weight 40%): Work with the Principal Investigator and her team to design and execute experiments investigating tumor metabolism and mitochondrial-organelle communication using both in vitro and in vivo cancer models.
• Lead the development, validation, and application of multi-modality imaging techniques, including PET/CT, confocal microscopy, and 3D volume electron microscopy, to explore metabolic crosstalk between tumors and the microenvironment.
• Perform and supervise biochemical assays related to mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism and conduct subcellular and organelle-level characterization of tumor and immune cells.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Acquire and analyze multi-modality imaging datasets, including PET/CT, confocal microscopy, and volume electron microscopy, to assess tumor metabolism and organelle networks.
• Utilize image analysis tools such as ImageJ, Imaris, and MATLAB to quantify imaging signals and extract spatial features; perform statistical analysis using RStudio and GraphPad Prism to ensure data rigor and reproducibility.

Education and Experience

• Required: Master's Degree in Natural sciences or related field.
• Preferred: PhD in Natural sciences or Medical Degree
• Required: 4 years of Experimental or scientific work, or 2 years of Experimental or scientific work with medical degree, or No experience required with PhD.

Benefits and Equal Employment Opportunity

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. 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.