Research Scientist - Experimental Therapeutics
About The Position
The Research Scientist role within the Experimental Therapeutics department at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center contributes directly to advancing cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) research and structural biology initiatives. This role supports cutting-edge research through cryoEM data collection, structural analysis, method development, and scientific leadership, while maintaining high standards for research integrity, safety, and data management. The ideal candidate will possess education and experience in structural biology, cryogenic electron microscopy, computational biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline. Experience developing cryoEM workflows, processing structural datasets, creating computational tools, mentoring researchers, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams is highly desirable.
Requirements
- Master's Degree in Natural sciences or related field.
- Four years experimental or scientific work or two years experimental or scientific work with medical degree or no experience required with PhD.
- Education and experience in structural biology, cryogenic electron microscopy, computational biology, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
Nice To Haves
- Experience developing cryoEM workflows, processing structural datasets, creating computational tools, mentoring researchers, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
- Plan, organize, and execute cancer-focused structural biology projects using cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) and complementary biochemical and computational approaches.
- Develop and optimize cryoEM specimen preparation workflows independently and collaboratively.
- Assess samples, prepare grids, perform vitrification, conduct screening, and optimize specimen quality.
- Coordinate microscope screening activities and high-throughput cryoEM data collection.
- Process single-particle cryoEM datasets using established and emerging methodologies.
- Interpret structural results in conjunction with biochemical, biophysical, and functional data.
- Maintain accurate experimental records and computational documentation.
- Apply current best practices in cryoEM, structural biology, and research data management.
- Develop, evaluate, and implement new methods for specimen preparation, data acquisition, image processing, and structural analysis.
- Advance approaches for challenging, heterogeneous, dynamic, and transient macromolecular complexes.
- Create and maintain Python-based scripts and software tools that improve research workflows.
- Design automated computational pipelines to enhance reproducibility, efficiency, and throughput.
- Integrate emerging computational technologies and machine learning-enabled approaches into analyses.
- Benchmark new technologies and assess their applicability to research programs.
- Collaborate with institutional staff, computational scientists, and research partners to implement methodological advances.
- Provide scientific and technical leadership for laboratory personnel, trainees, and collaborators.
- Guide cryoEM experimental design, specimen preparation, data collection, image processing, and structural interpretation.
- Train and mentor researchers in cryoEM methodologies and reproducible scientific workflows.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary projects across the laboratory, Experimental Therapeutics, UT MD Anderson cryoEM resources, and external collaborators.
- Communicate findings through figures, manuscripts, reports, presentations, grant submissions, and data or software depositions.
- Assist the principal investigator with research project prioritization and planning.
- Support the selection, implementation, maintenance, and responsible use of laboratory instrumentation, software, computing resources, and research supplies.
- Ensure compliance with institutional requirements related to safety, research integrity, and data security.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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 programs
- Childcare assistance
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
