Research Scientist - GI Medical Oncology

MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 69,000 - 103,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Onsite work location

Relocation assistance

Exempt status (no overtime)

Job summary

MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston seeks a Research Scientist in GI Medical Oncology to lead independent investigations into gastrointestinal cancer biology and translational models. You will develop organoid and cell culture systems, guide experimental design, and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes advanced molecular biology, immune-oncology, and preclinical studies, with opportunities for mentoring and data-driven discovery.

Qualifications

Required: Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
Preferred: PhD Natural sciences or Medical Degree
Work experience: Four years experimental or scientific work or Two years Experimental or scientific work with medical degree or no experience required with PhD.

Responsibilities

Design independent cell-based experimental approaches to investigate gastrointestinal cancer biology.
Develop experimental strategies to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
Optimize laboratory methodologies to support translational research objectives.
Execute complex research studies independently from concept through data analysis.
Assign work to laboratory personnel and review completed work.
Determine research goals and project-specific scientific objectives.

Skills

Cancer biology

Translational research

Molecular biology

Cell culture systems

Immune-oncology

Preclinical animal studies

Data analysis

Organoid models

Flow cytometry

Microscopy

Education

Master's degree in natural sciences or related field

PhD in natural sciences or Medical Degree

Job description

Research Scientist - GI Medical Oncology

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned academic medical center dedicated to eliminating cancer through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, prevention, and education. Through innovative scientific discovery and multidisciplinary collaboration, UT MD Anderson advances cancer research and develops new approaches to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

The Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology department is focused on advancing the understanding and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers through translational and laboratory-based research. The Research Scientist will play a critical role in supporting innovative scientific investigations, developing advanced experimental models, and contributing to discoveries that improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The Research Scientist will independently lead research initiatives, support collaborative projects, and provide scientific expertise within a dynamic research environment. The Research Scientist will contribute to the department's mission through laboratory leadership, experimental design, and translational cancer research.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in cancer biology, translational research, molecular biology, advanced cell culture systems, immune-oncology research, preclinical animal studies, and complex data analysis. Preferred qualifications include experience handling human clinical specimens, developing organoid models, performing flow cytometry and microscopy, and providing technical leadership and mentoring within a research laboratory setting.

Minimum $32.93 - Midpoint $41.11 - Maximum $49.28

Work Location: Onsite

Why Us?

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking gastrointestinal cancer research while collaborating with leading scientists and clinicians at UT MD Anderson. The role supports professional development, scientific innovation, and meaningful contributions to discoveries that directly impact patient care while offering competitive benefits and work-life balance resources.

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 Design & Scientific Leadership

Design independent cell-based experimental approaches to investigate gastrointestinal cancer biology.
Develop experimental strategies to study disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
Optimize laboratory methodologies to support translational research objectives.
Execute complex research studies independently from concept through data analysis.
Assign work to laboratory personnel and review completed work.
Determine research goals and project-specific scientific objectives.

Clinical Specimen Processing & Model Development

Receive human clinical specimens including blood, tumor tissues, and other biological samples.
Process, characterize, and maintain clinical specimens for research purposes.
Ensure appropriate documentation for all specimen-related activities.
Maintain sample tracking systems and cryopreservation inventories.
Establish primary cell cultures for experimental research.
Develop and maintain established cancer cell lines.
Generate and characterize patient-derived organoids.
Generate and characterize induced pluripotent stem cell-derived organoids.
Establish and maintain three-dimensional culture systems.
Develop and support microfluidic-based tissue models.

Immune Biology, Functional Assays & Molecular Research

Develop immune cell culture systems for translational studies.
Optimize tumor-immune co-culture models.
Perform functional assays to evaluate immune responses.
Investigate tumor microenvironment interactions.
Assess therapeutic efficacy using laboratory-based models.
Perform genetic manipulation experiments.
Conduct transfection procedures.
Perform gene knockdown studies.
Perform gene overexpression studies.
Conduct cell proliferation, viability, cytotoxicity, drug screening, and therapeutic response assays.

Advanced Molecular Biology & Cellular Characterization

Isolate DNA from biological specimens.
Isolate RNA from biological specimens.
Isolate proteins from biological specimens.
Perform quantitative RT-PCR analyses.
Conduct molecular cloning procedures.
Prepare plasmids for research applications.
Perform Western blotting experiments.
Conduct ELISA assays.
Perform immunoprecipitation studies.
Troubleshoot experimental challenges and develop innovative laboratory methodologies.

Preclinical Research, Data Analysis & Collaboration

Conduct immunofluorescence studies for cellular and tissue characterization.
Perform immunohistochemistry analyses on tissue specimens.
Utilize flow cytometry for cellular characterization.
Conduct fluorescence microscopy studies.
Perform bright-field microscopy analyses.
Use quantitative imaging approaches to evaluate molecular mechanisms and cellular responses.
Support studies involving genetically engineered mouse models and tumor-bearing models.
Perform experimental planning, drug administration, tissue collection, histological processing, and molecular characterization in accordance with approved animal research protocols.
Analyze, interpret, and integrate experimental data using statistical, imaging, and bioinformatics approaches.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, maintain research records, evaluate scientific literature, train laboratory personnel, prepare scientific figures and presentations, and assist with manuscripts, research proposals, and progress reports.

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