Institute Associate Scientist II - Translational Biology
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, TX
Permanent
Full-time
24 days ago
MD ANDERSON THERAPEUTICS DISCOVERY DIVISIONWithin The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies a powerful engine driving the future of new targeted, immune- and cell-based therapies: the Therapeutics Discovery Division. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery, with a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, doctors, drug developers and scientific experts working together to develop small-molecule drugs, biologics and cellular therapies. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently – all under the same roof.The Therapeutics Discovery Division is built around four platforms: The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS), ORBIT (Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation), TRACTION (Translational Research to Advance Therapeutics and Innovation in Oncology) and the Neurodegeneration Consortium.The TRACTION platform is an industrialized translational research unit that aligns world-class drug discovery and development with highly innovative science and clinical care research. Through an investment in patient-centric research, we have developed the infrastructure, platforms, and capabilities to enable transformative research, partnering with leading clinical research scientists and physicians for which MD Anderson is known. TRACTION’s approach combines large scale data science, innovative cancer genetics, disruptive technologies, deep mechanistic biology, disease modeling, and pharmacology to accelerate the translation of novel discoveries.As part of our mission, TRACTION is focused on partnering with our internal drug discovery engine (IACS, ORBIT, Biologics Development and Cell Therapies) and a growing list of external Partners (Boehringer Ingelheim, Taiho, Blueprint Medicines, Schrödinger and Obsidian) to discover and develop the next generation of small-molecule targeted therapies, antibody therapeutics and cell therapies, all driven by the needs we see in our patients.We work in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment with a focus on team science and interdisciplinary research. Our unique approach has created a biotech-like engine within the walls of the nation’s leading cancer center to bring life-saving medicines to our patients more quickly and effectively. This model already has achieved results, with multiple programs currently in clinical and late-stage preclinical development.SUMMARYThe Institute Associate Scientist II will report to the disease modeling lead and work closely with multiple groups across TRACTION, MD Anderson and external groups to acquire, curate, characterize, and develop disease models and support the development of novel oncology therapeutic agents to benefit patients.KEY FUNCTIONS1.Under moderate supervision, conduct laboratory experiments to support translational biology programs and characterize tumor models to advance therapeutics into clinical development.2.Assist with acquisition, collection and processing of fresh tissue from preclinical models and patient samples for molecular characterization, histopathology, ex vivo cell culture, in vivo implantation and/or flow cytometry analysis.3.Assist with tumor model characterization including performing established routine histology assays such as H&E, IHC, multiplex IF, and other special stains as required by various platforms.4.Under minimal supervision, performs image/data acquisition and analysis of histology assays.5.Performs general laboratory duties including tissue processing, reagent preparation and archiving tissues, and assisting with maintaining the tissue specimen bank and databases.6.Under moderate supervision, assist with the development and implementation of novel histology assays and established protein, DNA and RNA-based technologies on in vivo and ex vivo samples to support translational biomarker activities and to advance disease model characterization.7.Reports findings to supervisor for collaboration with cross-functional project teams to communicate model information to colleagues.8.Under minimal supervision design, execute, document and interpret experiments.9.Analyze, prepare, and present data in project team and other internal meetings as needed.10.Employ safe lab practices.CORE COMPETENCIES1.Self-Motivation (Independent Contributor): Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement.Use standards set by management. Take ownership for actions. Continually meet department goals.Demonstrate a personal sense of urgency in getting results. Use personal and management standards to complete assignments.2. Technical/Functional Expertise (Independent Contributor): Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others.Apply basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work. Meet essential position requirements.Seek experiences and knowledge in technical/functional areas to gain additional expertise.Troubleshoot systems/processes effectively.3.Analytical Thinking (Independent Contributor): Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.Recognize simple cause and effect relationships. Diagnose problems by breaking them down into simple tasks or activities.Identify relationships among a few parts of a problem. Scan own knowledge and experience base to determine potential solutions.4.Team with Others (Independent Contributor): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members, and those beyond team; balance individual and team goals.Support and show respect to team members. Recognize how individual actions affect the team.Model team qualities, i.e. respect helpfulness and coping. Support team decisions once they are made and help to implement.
