Research Investigator - Cell Therapy Institute

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within Cell Therapy Institute, the Research Investigator supports innovative research initiatives focused on the development, optimization, and translation of novel cell therapies. The Research Investigator collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to advance scientific discoveries toward clinical application while maintaining rigorous scientific and regulatory standards. At UT MD Anderson, the Research Investigator plays a critical role in advancing cell therapy platforms from discovery through clinical translation. The Research Investigator contributes to laboratory research, process development, data analysis, and translational studies that support the mission of improving outcomes for patients through scientific innovation. The Research Investigator will conduct independent and collaborative research supporting the development and translation of novel cell therapies. The individual will be responsible for designing and executing laboratory studies involving mammalian cell culture, optimizing experimental protocols, analyzing complex datasets, and contributing to preclinical and translational research initiatives. Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture and differentiation is highly desirable. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams to advance cell therapy platforms from discovery through clinical translation while maintaining compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
• Five years Scientific or experimental research work.
• Three years Required experience with preferred degree.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments and human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture and differentiation is highly desirable.
• Mammalian cell culture and sterile laboratory techniques
• Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) culture, expansion, characterization, and differentiation
• Cell engineering methodologies including viral and non-viral gene delivery
• Immune cell biology (NK cells, T cells, macrophages, or related cell types)
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, cloning, western blotting)
• Microscopy and imaging techniques
• Experience supporting IND-enabling or translational research
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing and documentation (preferred)
• Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Experimental design and statistical data analysis
• Master's Degree natural sciences or related field.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and optimize laboratory experiments supporting cell therapy research.
• Perform routine and advanced mammalian cell culture techniques, including expansion, maintenance, characterization, and cryopreservation of primary and engineered cell populations.
• Develop, culture, maintain, and differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into immune or other therapeutic cell types (preferred).
• Assist in developing scalable manufacturing processes for cell therapy products.
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques including flow cytometry, PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence, microscopy, and other functional assays.
• Analyze, interpret, and document experimental results using appropriate statistical methods.
• Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and electronic records in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare technical reports, research summaries, protocols, manuscripts, presentations, and grant-related materials.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and scientific discussions to develop research strategies.
• Collaborate with investigators, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and manufacturing teams to support translational research efforts.
• Assist with technology transfer activities between research laboratories and GMP manufacturing facilities.
• Contribute to SOP development, protocol optimization, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, laboratory safety, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Train and mentor laboratory personnel, students, and junior research staff as needed.

Benefits

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week
• Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank
• Paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System
• Voluntary retirement plans
• Employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior