Research Investigator - Cell Therapy Institute

As a type of immunotherapy, cell therapies enhance the natural abilities of immune cells, such as T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, to detect and eliminate cancer cells at a magnitude the human body could never do alone. Cancer cells can often make themselves invisible to the immune system. Therefore, to better detect cancer cells, we can genetically modify immune cells by adding certain molecules, such as a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Cell therapies also can be engineered to enhance their activity against target cells.

Bringing together the top minds in the field, the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation will lead exceptional discovery, translational and clinical research to accelerate the development of new treatments for cancer as well as autoimmune diseases, infections and other conditions. The institute aims to provide safe and effective therapies that will be available "off-the-shelf," which could improve access and lower treatment costs.

Home to the world's largest cancer clinical trials program, MD Anderson leverages its tremendous research engine to advance new cell therapy applications safely and quickly. We draw upon expertise in immunology, cancer genomics, drug development, data science and artificial intelligence to translate scientific discoveries into impactful treatments. By gaining new insights in immunology and cell engineering, the institute will fuel the creation of breakthrough therapies that can be readily adapted to address emerging needs.

Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation

The Research Investigator applies technical expertise and experience to coordinate, design and carry out research projects and impacts cancer research efforts throughout the institution. The ideal candidate will have experience with iPSC and/or CAR NK immunotherapy.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists principal investigator with scientific research projects.
• Functions independently in the design and initiation of research experiments.
• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment for experiments to obtain desired results.
• Determines specific goals or objectives, evaluates research data, and develops or revises techniques to address work challenges.
• Plans training and research activities for assigned laboratory and research personnel.
• Supervises laboratory equipment use and implements safety procedures.
• Compiles, writes, and submits project results to superiors.
  
  

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

• Technical Lab Duties
• Independently handles clinical samples such human blood, tissue, ascites and maintain in a good cryopreservation condition for future research.
• Develop and review techniques for CyTOF staining and other methods to enhance laboratory operations and assists lab personnel in implementation of new technology.
• Collect data and maintain meticulous records of the lab and research and cryoinventory.
• Perform tissue culture techniques, function study, molecular biology experiments (DNA/RNA/protein); handle mouse experiments such as tumor injection from tumor cell lines and clinical specimen, drug treatment and be able to analyze all data.
• Perform basic histologic techniques on tumor specimens.
• Clinical Protocol Maintenance
• Review and evaluate clinical protocol and translational research data, including laboratory correlative data.
• Ensure that the relevant clinical data is collected at designated stages in the treatment process.
• Administrative
• Monitors laboratory and/or other supplies to ensure sufficient inventor and high quality of reagents to support research projects.
• Monitor and maintain supply of antibody inventory for CyTOF experiments.
• Trains RAI and RAII personnel on research activities and equipment use.
  
  

Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Experience

Required: Five years of experience in scientific or experimental research work. With preferred degree, three years of required experience.

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

• Requisition ID: 172587
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Day/Evening
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 57,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 72,000
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 86,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: No
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
• Science Jobs: Yes