Research Scientist

The Cancer Biology department at MD Anderson has a long history of leadership in basic and translational cancer biology and serves as the anchor department for the Metastasis Research Center. The Research Scientist will lead and execute translational research projects by integrating in vivo, in vitro, and computational approaches to generate mechanistic and clinically relevant insights. This role independently performs animal studies-including drug/cell administration, tumor models, monitoring, tissue collection, and necropsy-while ensuring data quality, rigor, and compliance.

The Research Scientist will also provide technical and analytical leadership in computational genomics, including single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics analysis, and will work closely with the team to connect molecular findings to experimental phenotypes, tumor microenvironment states, and therapeutic response. This role may also involve supporting translational discovery and therapeutic development efforts leveraging extracellular vesicles/exosomes, including experience with exosome isolation/characterization workflows, evaluation of exosome-mediated cargo delivery, and/or integration of exosome-focused studies with downstream molecular profiling.

Additional responsibilities may include animal genotyping and colony management; tissue processing and histology; or molecular biology, cell culture, and immunoblotting. The position also supports daily lab operations such as reagent/sample organization, ordering, inventory, and safety compliance. The scientist will help train team members in animal techniques and workflow best practices and is expected to maintain strong organization, independent judgment, and a commitment to ongoing development in emerging experimental and computational methods.

The ideal candidate will bring strong experience in computational genomics, including single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics.

Minimum $32.93 - Midpoint $41.11 - Maximum $49.28
Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Why Us?
As a Research Scientist, you directly support MD Anderson's mission by advancing cancer biology discoveries that enable new therapeutic strategies. This role provides opportunities to deepen both experimental and computational expertise while contributing to impactful research in a collaborative, world-class environment 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

Research Design & Implementation
• Plan, organize, coordinate, direct, and participate in scientific research projects.
• Independently perform animal studies including breeding, weaning, genotyping, injections, bleeding, tissue harvesting, necropsy, and longitudinal monitoring.
• Manage animal colony records, inventory, compliance, and safety protocols.
• Train laboratory personnel in animal handling techniques and workflow practices.
• Conduct downstream processing and analysis of animal-derived tissues.

Data Analysis & Computational Genomics
• Analyze and interpret research datasets, revising techniques and approaches when necessary.
• Lead computational genomics workflows including scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics analysis.
• Integrate multi-modal data with experimental findings to generate mechanistic hypotheses.
• Support discovery efforts in exosome/extracellular vesicle biology and therapeutic development.
• Apply emerging experimental and computational methods to enhance research quality.

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Oversight
• Oversee and maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate adaptations needed for experimental workflows.
• Train staff in laboratory techniques, equipment use, and safety procedures.
• Maintain laboratory safety standards and ensure compliance across assigned spaces.

Research Documentation & Reporting
• Compile, write, and submit project updates, summaries, and documentation for leadership and the Principal Investigator.
• Review research results and support interpretation for ongoing studies.

Supply Management & General Support
• Manage ordering of reagents and laboratory supplies.
• Maintain inventory, receive shipments, and ensure organized sample and reagent storage.
• Support general laboratory operations as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

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

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: Four years experimental or scientific work or two years experimental or scientific work with medical degree or No experience required with PhD.
• Preferred: Prior experience in computational genomics, including single-cell RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics.

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: 178814
• 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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