Research Scientist - Experimental Therapeutics

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 69,000 - 103,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage day one

PTO and holidays

Tuition assistance

Pension plan

Job summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston seeks a Research Scientist to advance cryoEM research and structural biology in the Experimental Therapeutics department. You will lead data collection, analysis, and method development, collaborating across teams to push forward cancer-focused discoveries.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s degree and substantial cryoEM experience; PhD preferred. The role offers opportunities to mentor staff, develop new workflows, and contribute to

Qualifications

Master’s degree in natural sciences or related field required.
PhD or Medical degree preferred.
Experience in cryoEM workflows and data processing desirable.
Minimum four years experimental/scientific work; two years with medical degree or PhD.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and execute cryoEM and structural biology projects.
Develop and optimize cryoEM specimen preparation workflows.
Assess samples, prepare grids, vitrify, and optimize specimen quality.
Coordinate microscope screening activities and high-throughput data collection.
Process single-particle cryoEM datasets and interpret results.

Skills

cryoEM

structural biology

data management

mentoring

leadership

Education

Master’s Degree in Natural sciences or related field

PhD in Natural sciences or Medical Degree (preferred)

Tools

Python

Job description

Research Scientist

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Experimental Therapeutics department, researchers advance innovative scientific discoveries to support the development of novel cancer treatments through multidisciplinary laboratory and translational research programs. The Research Scientist role contributes directly to these efforts by advancing cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) research and structural biology initiatives.

UT MD Anderson offers an environment where the Research Scientist collaborates with scientists, trainees, and institutional resources to drive impactful cancer-focused discoveries. The Research Scientist will support cutting-edge research through cryoEM data collection, structural analysis, method development, and scientific leadership while maintaining high standards for research integrity, safety, and data management.

The ideal candidate for the Research Scientist position will possess education and experience in structural biology, cryogenic electron microscopy, computational biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline. Experience developing cryoEM workflows, processing structural datasets, creating computational tools, mentoring researchers, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams is highly desirable. Licenses and certifications were not provided.

Minimum $32.93/hour - Midpoint $41.11/hour - Maximum $49.28/hour

Work Location: Onsite

Typical Work Schedule: Days

Why Us?

UT MD Anderson provides an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research while working alongside leading scientists and clinicians. This role offers meaningful participation in advancing structural biology and cryoEM technologies, supports professional growth through scientific collaboration and innovation, and enables researchers to contribute directly to discoveries that impact patient outcomes.

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

CryoEM Research, Data Collection, & Structural Analysis

Plan, organize, and execute cancer-focused structural biology projects using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) and complementary biochemical and computational approaches.
Develop and optimize cryoEM specimen preparation workflows independently and collaboratively.
Assess samples, prepare grids, perform vitrification, conduct screening, and optimize specimen quality.
Coordinate microscope screening activities and high-throughput cryoEM data collection.
Process single-particle cryoEM datasets using established and emerging methodologies.
Interpret structural results in conjunction with biochemical, biophysical, and functional data.
Maintain accurate experimental records and computational documentation.
Apply current best practices in cryoEM, structural biology, and research data management.

CryoEM Method, Software, & Technology Development

Develop, evaluate, and implement new methods for specimen preparation, data acquisition, image processing, and structural analysis.
Advance approaches for challenging, heterogeneous, dynamic, and transient macromolecular complexes.
Create and maintain Python-based scripts and software tools that improve research workflows.
Design automated computational pipelines to enhance reproducibility, efficiency, and throughput.
Integrate emerging computational technologies and machine learning-enabled approaches into analyses.
Benchmark new technologies and assess their applicability to research programs.
Collaborate with institutional staff, computational scientists, and research partners to implement methodological advances.

Scientific Leadership, Collaboration, & Laboratory Operations

Provide scientific and technical leadership for laboratory personnel, trainees, and collaborators.
Guide cryoEM experimental design, specimen preparation, data collection, image processing, and structural interpretation.
Train and mentor researchers in cryoEM methodologies and reproducible scientific workflows.
Coordinate multidisciplinary projects across the laboratory, Experimental Therapeutics, UT MD Anderson cryoEM resources, and external collaborators.
Communicate findings through figures, manuscripts, reports, presentations, grant submissions, and data or software depositions.
Assist the principal investigator with research project prioritization and planning.
Support the selection, implementation, maintenance, and responsible use of laboratory instrumentation, software, computing resources, and research supplies.
Ensure compliance with institutional requirements related to safety, research integrity, and data security.
Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

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

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.

Additional Information