Institute Associate Scientist II in Vitro Pharmacology Group

The University of Texas - MD Anderson Cancer Center (UT-MDACC) strives to eliminate cancer in Texas, the United States, and the World by implementing outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research, and prevention, as well as by educating undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees, and the general public.

The Therapeutics Discovery Division (TDD) at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a potent engine driving the future of innovative targeted, immune-, and cell-based medicines. Therapeutics Discovery reduces bottlenecks in traditional drug discovery by bringing together a diverse team of committed researchers, clinicians, drug developers, and scientific experts to develop small-molecule therapeutics, biologics, and cellular therapies. Our innovative structure and collaborative approach enable the team to work swiftly and efficiently, bringing breakthrough medications from concept to clinic - all under one roof. The Therapeutics Discovery Division is organized 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 (NDC).

The goal of the ORBIT Platform is to make MDACC a recognized leader in the discovery and development of novel biologics that help patients overcome cancer. ORBIT is a centralized MDACC entity tasked with guiding, informing, accelerating, and carrying out innovative discoveries into clinically useful cancer bio-therapeutics. We are committed to biologics development that meets industrial standards, with the goal of integrating scientific quality with commercialization.

SUMMARY

We are seeking a highly motivated Institute Associate Scientist II to join our efforts in discovery and development of novel anti-cancer biologics. The successful candidate is expected to be a bench associate scientist and will use a wide range of techniques in antibody discovery, screening and characterization from lead identification, optimization, and clinical candidate selection. This individual will collaborate with other team members to advance our programs in the pipeline. Previous experience in biotech and/or pharma specialized in antibody discovery and development projects is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

* Contribute to project team activities by conducting laboratory experiments under moderate supervision.

* Perform high-throughput immune cell-based assays (i.e., cell surface binding, ADCC, ADCP, CDCC, CDC, MLR, Incucyte, ELISA, MSD, etc.) to screen leads for target optimization.

* Perform pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) assays for in vivo models.

* Participate in integrated drug discovery research activities by interacting with scientists from various disciplines.

* Execute established protocols as well as assist with the development of new ones.

* Record and evaluate data using the methods specified and present the results to the research project team.

* Ability to work well under pressure and drive team goals that impact critical deadlines.

* Employ safe lab practices.

Skills:

* Detail-oriented, with excellent record-keeping skills is required.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

* Strong organizational skills including the ability to manage several projects are required.

* A team player, dedication, focus, quick learning abilities, and the ability to multitask is preferred.

* Intellectually curious and well informed on the latest scientific advances in the field is preferred.

* Demonstrated creativity and novel approaches to solving scientific problems is preferred.

EDUATION

Required: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.

Preferred: Master's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Required: One year of relevant research experience in lab. With preferred degree, no required experience.

Preferred: Experience in high throughput immunology assays. Experience in mouse ex-vivo work, immune cell culture, and advanced flow cytometry and cell culture techniques.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide 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 institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html