Instructor, Research Faculty Appointment, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology

Essential Functions:

Assay Techniques . Candidate must have experience with a range of cellular, molecular, and biochemical laboratory techniques relevant to translational cancer research. Required skills include primary cell handling and cell culture, including isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and ex vivo treatment of patient samples and established cell lines. Candidate will be proficient in performing sterile cell culture techniques. Experience with flow cytometry for viability and immunophenotyping, as well as protein analysis techniques such as Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy, is expected. Candidate should be proficient in molecular analyses of tumor DNA and RNA derived from human blood, plasma, and cell lines. Familiarity with genetic manipulation techniques, including lentiviral transduction for generation of modified cell line models, is required. Experience with metabolic and functional assays, including Seahorse extracellular flux
analysis, reactive oxygen species measurements, and proliferation assays, is required.

Assay Development. Develop and optimize experimental workflows for ex vivo drug profiling and mechanistic studies of targeted therapies. Implement drug combination and synergy analyses using computational tools (CompuSyn, SynergyFinder) and incorporate genetically defined cell line models to study mutation-specific effects. This individual must comply with institutional rules that follow OSHA regulations.

Evaluation, Collection, and Cataloguing of Patient Samples. Collect, process, annotate, and preserve primary patient specimens obtained through clinical trials and IRB-approved research protocols, including peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. Ensure proper handling, cryopreservation, and tracking of samples, maintaining accurate linkage to clinical and molecular data. Collaborate with clinical teams for coordinated sample acquisition and maintain detailed records of patient consent, sample processing, and experimental use. Adhere strictly to HIPAA guidelines, institutional policies, and good laboratory practices.

Preparation of Chemical, Reagent and Dyes. Requires weighing, mixing and aliquoting a variety of chemicals, reagents and dyes, some of which are noted as toxic and/or carcinogenic. Standard laboratory equipment is used such as magnetic mixers, pH meters, balances, centrifuges, pipettes, water baths. Requires good visual skills and knowledge of the various chemicals, reagents and dyes. Presentation of Research Results. Individual will prepare graphs and tables to include in scientific presentation and to include in manuscript. Will travel to scientific meetings as necessary to present results of experiments and make ready results for publications of manuscript/abstracts. In addition, must prepare for publication in peer review scientific journals. Requires maintaining meticulous record of experimental data and protocols whereby individual will sit for long periods of time in addition to going to library. Will use computer analysis to provide slides and graphs of data. Must be able to communicate in a clear and understandable manner.

Marginal Functions:
Read scientific articles and references. Communicate and collaborate verbally and in print with other investigators at UTMDACC and other institutions. Use computer to record data and prepare presentations of data. Read and retain knowledge of instructions for all machines and equipment utilized in laboratory. Prepare and edit manuscripts, scientific presentations and abstracts.

Must be able to climb to reach storage area above head and bend to reach storage area below knee level. Must be able to get very close to floor to work on equipment with screwdrivers, etc. and retrieve dropped items. Must be willing to stand for long periods of time.

• Doctorate-level degree in a field appropriate to faculty role and department mission.
• At least 2 years postdoctoral experience preferred or equivalent time as a basic scientist
  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: 180891
• Employee Status: Regular
• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 0
• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 0
• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 0
• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
• Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote

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