Research Scientist - GI Radiation Oncology - Research

Research Scientist

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a global leader in cancer care, research, education, and prevention, dedicated to eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world. Within UT MD Anderson, the Radiation Oncology - Research department in the Division of Radiation Oncology supports cutting-edge translational programs that bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical care, advancing therapies for patients with complex malignancies.

The Research Scientist will join the Bernard Laboratory, a collaborative and rapidly growing program focused on gastrointestinal cancers. The Research Scientist role is central to integrating preclinical models, molecular profiling, and clinical specimens to address patient-centered research questions. The Research Scientist will work closely with multidisciplinary teams and clinical investigators on studies embedded in ongoing and developing clinical trials.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD or have significant experience in cancer biology or computational biology, with strong expertise in molecular biology techniques and mammalian cell culture. Candidates with experience using Python or R for biological data analysis and a demonstrated ability to lead or mentor junior team members are highly preferred.

Minimum $32.93 - Midpoint $41.11 - Maximum $49.28

Why Us?
This role offers the opportunity to contribute directly to innovative translational cancer research that impacts patient outcomes while working in a highly collaborative and well-resourced environment. At UT MD Anderson, the Research Scientist will engage in meaningful scientific discovery, gain access to career development and mentorship opportunities, and benefit from a workplace that supports professional growth and work-life balance.
• 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
Scientific Research & Experimental Design
• Design and execute translational and preclinical studies using GI cancer cell lines and patient-derived models
• Conduct experiments involving radiation and drug treatments, and clonogenic survival assays
• Perform molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, cloning, and CRISPR-based gene editing
• Analyze data from flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and sequencing platforms
• Integrate preclinical findings with clinical research questions

In Vivo & Clinical Sample Research
• Support in vivo tumor studies including tumor implantation and treatment monitoring
• Collect and analyze tissue and blood biospecimens from clinical trials
• Prepare samples for spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, and multiplex imaging
• Conduct liquid biopsy analyses and related molecular profiling techniques

Collaboration & Scientific Contribution
• Collaborate with clinical investigators and multidisciplinary research teams
• Present findings at laboratory meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences
• Read, evaluate, and summarize scientific literature to inform experimental design
• Contribute to grant writing, scientific abstracts, and manuscript preparation

Leadership & Mentorship
• Train and supervise laboratory personnel including technicians and students
• Introduce and implement new experimental protocols from scientific literature
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing research environment

Operations & Compliance
• Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents, and inventory
• Document experimental work with clear, accurate, and accessible records
• Ensure adherence to research protocols, safety standards, and institutional guidelines

EDUCATION

• Required: Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
• Preferred: PhD Natural sciences. or
• Medical Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: 4 years Experimental or scientific work. or
• Required: 2 years Experimental or scientific work with medical degree. or
• Required: No experience required with PhD.
• Preferred: Research experience in mammalian cell culture and basic molecular biology techniques including PCR, qPCR, and molecular cloning. Significant experience in cancer biology and computational biology with familiarity on use of python/R to analyze biological data

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits , including medical, dental, paid time off , retirement , tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

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.

Additional Information

• Requisition ID: 181581
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Work Week: Days
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 68,500
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 85,500
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 102,500
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Fund Type: Soft
• Work Location: Onsite
• Pivotal Position: Yes
• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

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