Institute Research Investigator, Radiotherapeutics Chemistry

UT MD Anderson is home to the Therapeutics Discovery Division, a dynamic engine advancing the future of cancer therapies. This division removes traditional bottlenecks in drug discovery through a multidisciplinary approach that brings together researchers, clinicians, drug developers, and scientific experts to rapidly move novel therapeutics from concept to clinical use. Within this collaborative ecosystem, the Institute Research Investigator in Radiotherapeutics Chemistry plays a critical role in translating innovative scientific discoveries into life-saving treatments.

UT MD Anderson is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Institute Research Investigator in Radiotherapeutics Chemistry contributes directly to the RADIATE platform, an industrialized translational research unit dedicated to radiopharmaceutical drug discovery and development. Through integrated platforms, advanced data science, and patient-centered research, the Institute Research Investigator in Radiotherapeutics Chemistry helps accelerate the delivery of cutting-edge therapeutics to patients.

The ideal candidate will possess strong educational preparation in chemistry or a related scientific field, with demonstrated experience in medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, or drug discovery research. Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary scientific environments and familiarity with radiopharmaceutical development, computational modeling, and laboratory safety practices are highly valued.

* Why Us?
* This role offers the opportunity to be part of a pioneering research environment at UT MD Anderson, where science is rapidly translated into meaningful patient outcomes. Working within a highly collaborative and innovation-driven platform, team members gain exposure to advanced technologies, impactful research initiatives, and career growth opportunities, all while contributing to a mission that prioritizes patient care and scientific excellence.

- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.

- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.

- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.

- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

* Responsibilities
* * Research & Scientific Collaboration
* - Apply multidisciplinary tools and methodologies to advance RADIATE projects through leadership and experimentation

- Integrate with cross-functional teams to present findings, interpret data, and make data-driven program decisions

- Collaborate with computational chemists to develop predictive radiopharmaceutical models

- Work with medicinal chemistry, radiochemistry, and pharmacology teams to validate targets and develop therapeutics

- Collaborate on biology efforts to pair synthesized lead molecules and advance clinical development

* Radiochemistry & Drug Development
* - Execute chemical and radio chemical production of radionuclide therapeutic candidates

- Develop innovative radiopharmaceutical precursors using organic and medicinal chemistry techniques

- Design new radiopharmaceutical procedures and automated methods

- Expand knowledge of cGMP radiochemistry, synthesis modules, and quality control processes

- Advance new radio-chemistries leveraging asymmetric catalysis expertise

* Data Analysis & Experimental Design
* - Design, execute, and interpret chemical and radio chemical experiments

- Partner with translational biologists on in vitro, ex-vivo, and in vivo studies

- Analyze chemical and analytical data to inform future study design

- Integrate data to identify and refine new therapeutic strategies

- Adapt to emerging technologies and solve complex program challenges

* Program & Regulatory Coordination
* - Draft and maintain regulatory protocols for animal studies

- Coordinate logistics for animal studies with internal teams

- Develop toxicity studies for IND-enabling objectives

- Support program prioritization, adjudication, and development processes

* Compliance & Communication
* - Maintain high laboratory standards for quality and safety

- Employ safe laboratory practices consistently

- Maintain accurate research records and laboratory notes

- Interpret and present research findings internally and at scientific conferences

- Perform additional duties as assigned

* EDUCATION:

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* Required:

* Bachelor's Degree Biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.

* * Preferred*:
PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.

* EXPERIENCE:

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* Required:

* Six years relevant research experience in a laboratory. Four years experience with Master's degree. No experience required with a PhD in a…