Senior Research Scientist - Endocrine Neoplasia & HD

MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

About The Position

Cancers of endocrine glands are rare, but their optimal treatment requires the same attentive diagnosis and therapy as more common malignancies. MD Anderson's Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders department provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for patients with endocrine system tumors, both malignant and benign. Here's just a partial list of diseases treated by our physicians, nurses and other caregivers. This is a part time, benefits eligible position working, Monday-Friday from 08am-1:30pm, maximum weekly hours, 28. The ideal candidate is an independent and highly motivated researcher with extensive experience in basic and translational biomedical research, particularly in spermatogonial stem cell biology using mouse and rhesus monkey models. This individual demonstrates strong initiative in experimental design, execution, data analysis, and interpretation, with deep expertise in cell signaling pathways and molecular and cellular techniques including viral gene transfection, qRT-PCR, microarrays, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, ChIP, tissue culture, IHC/IF (confocal microscopy preferred), and next-generation sequencing analysis. The candidate has hands-on experience with mouse xenografts, genetically engineered cancer models, animal gavage and drug treatments, testicular surgery, stem cell transplantation, and biopsy procedures, and possesses a strong foundation in biostatistics and experimental design. They are proficient in independently drafting manuscripts, contributing to grants, maintaining rigorous experimental records, and presenting findings to scientific audiences. In addition, the ideal candidate functions as a scientific and technical leader within the laboratory—mentoring and training students and staff, developing and maintaining SOPs, ensuring regulatory compliance (IACUC/IBC), overseeing lab safety and operations, and actively learning new techniques to advance research objectives while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity.

Requirements

Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
6 years Experimental or scientific work experience, or
3 years Experimental or scientific work experience with PhD or medical degree.

Nice To Haves

PhD Natural sciences.
Medical Degree
experience with confocal microscopy
Analyzes and interprets next-generation sequencing datasets

Responsibilities

Demonstrates considerable initiative in planning and executing experiments and in evaluating and interpreting results.
Conducts basic and translational research focused on the regulation of growth, differentiation, and survival of spermatogonial stem cells in mouse and rhesus monkey models, including the cellular and molecular effects of chemotherapeutic agents.
Demonstrates a strong understanding of cell signaling pathways.
Applies technical expertise in gene transfection using viral vectors and analysis of gene expression via qRT-PCR, microarrays, immunoblotting, flow cytometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and tissue culture.
Has experience with mouse xenografts, genetically engineered animal models of cancer, and animal gavage and drug treatments.
Performs testicular surgery and stem cell transplantation in mice and rhesus monkeys.
Conducts testicular biopsy procedures and handles tissue samples appropriately.
Performs IHC and IF imaging; experience with confocal microscopy is preferred.
Analyzes and interprets next-generation sequencing datasets (preferred).
Independently drafts manuscripts without supervision.
Possesses strong knowledge of statistical methods used in biological and medical animal studies, including experimental design principles such as power analysis, randomization, ANOVA, regression models, and the appropriate selection of parametric and non-parametric tests.
Functions independently in the development and initiation of research projects; mentors laboratory personnel as required; develops techniques; maintains standard operating procedures; and ensures the quality and integrity of research procedures.
Contributes to grant preparation and manuscript publication.
Provides scientific expertise, knowledge, and technical insight to address research problems.
Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the principal investigator and presents data to professional groups.
Performs experiments as directed by the principal investigator within specified timeframes.
Maintains clear and accurate records of all experimental work performed.
Learns new skills to enhance and advance research projects.
Complies with all institutional policies, procedures, and standards.
Maintains and ensures laboratory safety, including working knowledge of laboratory equipment and monitoring proper use.
Monitors and maintains tissue culture supplies and the tissue culture station for efficient operation.
Attends required laboratory safety training and handles chemicals and reagents in accordance with safety guidelines.
Maintains accurate animal surgery records and scientific protocols, including IACUC and IBC documentation.
Ensures a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
Selects key classified personnel; assigns and reviews subordinate work; establishes specific goals and objectives; evaluates resulting research data; and revises techniques or approaches as needed.
Plans and supervises the training of students, technicians, and other laboratory personnel in proper laboratory techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures, including initial training in qPCR, IHC, IF, tissue culture techniques, and biosafety.
Trains and supervises students, technicians, and staff in current scientific protocols and in the proper operation of required laboratory equipment.
Perform other duties as required