Research Scientist - GI Medical Oncology

Overview

Research Scientist – MD Anderson’s GI (gastrointestinal) Medical Oncology 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 role focuses on advancing gastro-esophageal cancer research through innovative experimental design and collaboration.

Minimum salary: $68,500;
Midpoint salary: $85,500;
Maximum salary: $102,500.

MD Anderson offers employees: paid medical benefits starting on the first day for employees who work 30+ hours per week; group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability coverage; PTO and EIB paid leave accruals; paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs;
Tuition Assistance after six months; retirement plans; employer-paid life, AD&D and illness-related reduced salary pay; extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, 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.

Education

• Required:
  
  Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences or related field.
• Preferred:
  PhD in Natural Sciences or Medical Degree.

Work Experience

• Required:
  
  Four years of experimental or scientific work, or
• Required:
  
  Two years of experimental or scientific work with medical degree, or
• Required:
  
  No experience required with PhD.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers benefits including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and recognition. This position may be responsible for maintaining security and integrity of critical infrastructure and may require routine reviews and screening. The policy of MD Anderson is equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by policy or law.

EEO statements and related policy available at the institution’s site.