Associate Research Scientist

Position Title

Associate Research Scientist

McAllen, Texas

Under limited supervision and with considerable latitude for initiative, performs advanced research work by coordinating the development, implementation, and monitoring of specialized research projects. Manages upkeep, training, and supervision of specialized research equipment within area of assigned responsibility.

• Explore molecular mechanisms linking to cancer, obesity, liver, women's diseases using a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques in cultured cells, xenografts, and engineered mouse models.
• Develop, test, record, and analyze research projects based on expertise in cancer biology, molecular techniques, nanomedicine, drug delivery, pathology, chronic diseases.
• Drive key research questions that crosscut themes of statistics, graphical models, causal inference, active learning, spatial modeling, and deep generative models.
• Execute multiple projects involving analysis of complex biological and medical data including multi‑omics, ex‑vivo drug screens, patient treatment histories, and spatial profiling of cancer patient tissues.
• Develop novel computational methods that power ambitious collaborative projects with high translational impact.
• Prepare manuscripts and assist with grant and proposal submissions related to cancer and other biomedical research.
• Publish in peer‑reviewed publications related to the focus of the research activities assigned and assist with grant and proposal submissions related to cancer and other biomedical research.
• Coordinate, plan, develop, conduct, monitor, and analyze research projects to include interpreting results, developing non‑standard tests, recommending technology‑based solutions, or determining computational strategies; formulate and monitor long‑range research objectives, programs, and priorities; review, analyze, and evaluate the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting current research.
• Assist in formulating research objectives and programs and determine the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated; provide consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques; work with researchers on development of experiments and interpretation of results for research and teaching.
• Develop policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research and evaluation activities; develop quality assurance procedures and conduct quality assurance reviews on research projects; develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods; develop data models and databases; may develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
• Write technical papers/reports and prepare standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests; direct, coordinate, or advise personnel in test procedures.
• Coordinate the collection, compilation, and analysis of research data to include the use of statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets; prepare and provide presentations for professional organizations, governmental entities, and the public; communicate research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
• Ensure adherence to laboratory standards and practices to maximize safety and operational effectiveness; prepare and schedule equipment use during laboratory/research sessions; diagnose equipment malfunctions, dismantle, and repair equipment; maintain laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoot malfunctions when needed; compile and analyze test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency.
• Train users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
• Handle all issues relating to laboratory supplies, including ordering materials, maintaining inventory, and proper storage.
• Participate in proposal writing and coordination for external funds for equipment acquisitions; may be a Principal Investigator or Co‑Principal Investigator.
• Comply with all State and University policies.
• May be responsible for…