Research Scientist - Houston, United States - University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention.

It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2018 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

The primary purpose of the Research Scientist is to plan, organize, coordinate, direct and participate in scientific research projects.

Assigns and reviews work of subordinates, determines specific goals or objectives to be attained, evaluates resulting research data and revises techniques or approaches to work problems.

Supervises the design, development or adapting of equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results. Compiles, writes and submits reports to superior.

Plans and supervises the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment and safety procedures.

Impacts cancer research efforts throughout the institution. Must be able to assure compliance with safety standards employed by the Department, Division, and Institution.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS/COMPENTENCIES

The lab is looking for a highly motivated and skilled research scientist with at least 4 years of post-doctoral work experience in a high-performance biomedical research environment.

Key expertise required for the position are demonstrated and exceptional skills in planning and execution of scientific projects in quantitative mass spectrometry with a special emphasis on developing workflows for quantitative proximity and phospho proximity proteomics.

We are looking for a highly trained expert in mass spectrometry with demonstrated experience in mass spectrometer operation who can take on a leadership role in the lab to coordinate and execute research projects involving study of signaling pathways of trans-membrane receptors, as well as cell surface receptor de-orphanization projects using proximity labeling approaches.

Experience with quantitative proteomics - a key expertise of the Kalocsay lab - is highly desired.

We further require a deep understanding of proteomic data analysis in the context of cancer-relevant signaling pathways by the candidate.

The capacity to plan and execute large scale studies directed at identifying potential new targets for therapy as well as demonstrated leadership skills through mentoring and education of students are additional qualifications we seek in the candidate.

• Operates and maintains orbitrap mass spectrometers, HPLC, and uHPLC systems.
• Performs data analysis of quantitative proteomics data.
• Develops quantitative proteomics assays using synthetic trigger peptides.
• Implements workflows for quantitative immunopeptidomics and proteomics of bead-enriched plasma samples.
• Performs basic science and translational research projects related to novel therapeutic targets in modulation of T-cell responses
• Develops new strategies and tools to employ quantitative mass spectrometry in order to define the roles and mechanisms of T-cell activation and immune checkpoint function in treating cancer;
• Takes on a leading role in the lab and helps coordinating the lab's research program guided by the principal investigator (PI)
• Educates graduate students and students and advises post-doctoral fellows on scientific techniques and methodology.
• Assists the PI in writing grants and acquiring project funding.
• Regularly attends relevant international conferences to be up to date on newest developments in technology and the field.
• Develops and maintains research projects, comprehends relevance of results and integrates research data, identifies, and solves problems relating to job responsibilities utilizing knowledge and experience.
• Supervises the design, development or adapting of equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.

• Plans and supervises the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment and safety procedures.

• Ensures that safety standards are maintained in the laboratory, collaborates with other investigators at MDACC and outside this institution on research projects.
• Must be present physically to work a minimum of 40 hours per week in the Institution.
• Must read and comprehend research literature and attend seminars to be well informed on latest scientific developments in field of interest.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

Required:
Masters degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred:
PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biology or related relevant disciplines


EXPERIENCE

Required:
Four years of experience in experimental or scientific work. With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Preferred:
More than 4 years of experience with research in a high-performance biomedical research environment.

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.