Institute Research Investigator, Computational Chemistry

Within 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 IACS platform is focused on discovering and developing the next generation of small-molecule targeted therapies, driven by the needs we see in our patients. The team aligns world-class drug discovery and development research with the science and clinical care for which MD Anderson is known. 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.

The Institute Research Investigator, Computational Chemistry in the structural chemistry group of the Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS) participates in cross‑functional research to advance our drug discovery projects from early exploratory efforts through lead optimization, ultimately delivering therapeutic agents of benefit to patients. As part of the IACS team, the Institute Research Investigator will apply structure‑based principles to design novel molecules with appropriate drug‑like properties, use free energy methods and molecular simulations to optimize on‑target potency and selectivity, and find novel chemical hits through virtual screening.

By joining the Therapeutics Discovery Division, you have the opportunity to use your talents to make a direct impact on the lives of our patients. We are seeking a highly motivated and collaborative individual to become a part of our team. Ideal candidates will be familiar with the drug discovery process, have experience working with modern molecular modeling software platforms, and have used in silico techniques to guide the design of novel small molecule inhibitors.