Executive Assistant Therapeutics Discovery

UT MD Anderson 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 RADIATE (Radiopharmaceuticals for Advanced Diagnostic Imaging And Therapy).

The TDD platforms are industrialized research and development units that align 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. Our approach combines small and large molecule development, 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, we focus on partnering with a growing list of external partners (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.

The primary purpose of the position is to coordinate all the activities that relate to the function of the Vice President of Oncology Research - TDD. This position reports directly to the Scientific Project Director, who sets and communicates priorities and provides day-to-day direction, mentorship, and support. The candidate would be able to carry out complex administrative duties requiring a thorough knowledge of a wide range of regulations, policies and procedures.

The candidate will be part of the TDD Operations Team and will work closely with team members, the Scientific Project Director, the Director of Research and Development and the Division Administrators to ensure effective and efficient day-to-day operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage complex calendars, coordinate travel, oversee executive-level meetings and events, and handle multiple competing priorities with discretion and accuracy. This individual is resourceful, self-directed, and comfortable anticipating needs while adapting to changing priorities. Success in this role requires flexibility with schedule and work location, including the ability to be onsite as needed to support the Vice President during meetings, special events, visitor engagements, and other business-critical activities.

• 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.

• Provide high-level calendar support for the Vice President of Oncology applying judgment to prioritize scheduling requests, distinguish urgent from important, and anticipate conflicts and agenda changes, proactively proposing solutions and seeking clarification from the Scientific Project Director when priorities are unclear.
• Arrange travel, both domestic and international, adhering to institutional policies and guidelines, coordinating trips, schedules, agendas, and expense reports; anticipate and manage changes to the VP's travel plans, pivoting quickly and communicating updates to all affected parties.
• Act on priorities set by the Scientific Project Director, adjusting focus as priorities shift,…