Research Scientist - GI Medical Oncology

Research Scientist

MD Anderson's GI (gastrointestinal) Medical Oncology department is part of its broader mission to eliminate cancer through integrated patient care, research, and education. This department focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancers affecting the gastrointestinal tract, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, liver, and colorectal cancers. The primary purpose of the Research Scientist is to apply technical expertise and experience to plan, coordinate, design, supervise and carry out research projects.

The Research Scientist role at MD Anderson Cancer Center focuses on advancing gastro‑esophageal cancer research through innovative experimental design and collaboration.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled and innovative researcher with expertise in molecular biology, immunology, and cancer biology, committed to advancing MD Anderson's mission to eliminate cancer. They excel in designing and executing complex experiments, including genetic manipulation, protein interaction studies, and mouse model handling, while applying bioinformatics to interpret data and generate new hypotheses. This individual is detail‑oriented, collaborative, and adept at troubleshooting, grant writing, and mentoring team members.

With strong organizational skills and a passion for discovery, they bring creativity and rigor to multidisciplinary research focused on detecting and eliminating gastro‑esophageal cancers.

Minimum Salary: $68,500 | Midpoint Salary: $85,500 | Salary Maximum: $102,500

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined‑benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness‑related reduced salary pay program
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups.

• Plan, organize, coordinate, and participate in research projects focused on detecting and eliminating gastro‑esophageal cancers.
• Develop and refine research methods; troubleshoot experimental techniques and introduce innovative approaches through literature review.
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team, applying expertise in molecular biology, immunology, and cancer biology to advance GI oncology research.
• Perform molecular biology experiments, including subcloning, genetic knockout/over-expression, ELISA, Western blotting, q‑PCR, IP, ChIP assay, protein‑protein/RNA‑protein interactions, and drug screening.
• Handle mouse models for tumor injection, drug treatment, and genetic studies; analyze resulting data.
• Process clinical samples (blood, tissue, ascites) and apply cryopreservation techniques; perform basic histology on formalin‑fixed specimens.
• Utilize basic bioinformatics knowledge to interpret data, generate hypotheses, and stay current with emerging technologies.
• Independently execute, interpret, and troubleshoot experiments to address key scientific questions.
• Assist in drafting research grants, manuscripts, and reports; ensure accurate data collection and database entry at all research stages.
• Train students and lab personnel in experimental techniques, including molecular/cellular biology, microscopy, imaging, and lab software.
• Communicate and collaborate with internal and external investigators on research projects.

The Research Scientist position in MD Anderson's Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology department plays a critical role in advancing the institution's mission to eliminate cancer through innovative research and collaboration. This role focuses on detecting and eliminating gastro‑esophageal cancers by applying expertise in molecular biology, immunology, and cancer biology to design and execute complex experiments, including genetic manipulation, protein interaction studies, and mouse model handling.

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