Within the Department of Nuclear Medicine Research, the Senior Research Scientist plays a critical role in supporting translational and preclinical research initiatives through laboratory leadership, animal model development, surgical expertise, regulatory compliance, and scientific collaboration.
The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in natural sciences or a Medical Degree, along with extensive experience in preclinical and animal-based research. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in xenograft, syngeneic, and patient-derived xenograft models, animal surgical procedures, laboratory operations, regulatory compliance, data analysis, and scientific communication. Experience training laboratory personnel and supporting accreditation and inspection readiness is highly desirable.
Develop and maintain SOPs to support laboratory efficiency, quality standards, and regulatory compliance.• Coordinate animal studies to support preclinical research and development
programs.
• Generate and maintain xenograft, syngeneic, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, including brain orthotopic models.
• Perform animal surgical procedures, including tumor implantation, orthotopic implantation, tissue transplantation, catheter installations (jugular, arterial, and teil vein), and survival surgeries in accordance with approved protocols.
Assist with radiopharmaceutical and other injections and specimen collection.• Monitor animal health, welfare, and experimental endpoints, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the Laboratory Manager to support protocol maintenance and ensure animal research activities comply with IACUC and institutional regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of animal inventories, and experimental assignments.
• Perform Post-Operation monitoring and maintain the surgery logbooks.
• Maintain the logbooks and track control substances.
• Train new laboratory personnel in animal handling procedures, welfare standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Conduct training and competency evaluations for personnel in the department performing survival surgical procedures.
• Organize, coordinate, and participate in scientific research projects..
• Function in a separate and independent manner in the design and initiation of
research experiments.
• Design, develop, and/or adapt equipment used in research experiments to obtain
desired results.
• Determine specific objectives to be obtained, evaluate research data, and
develop/revise techniques/approaches to solve problems.
Laboratory Operations • Assist with equipment monitoring and evaluation.
• Function as a contact on the monitoring alarm team.
• Review needs and make purchasing recommendations based on anticipated workload.
• Ensure that laboratories are prepared for accreditation and inspection.
Records Management and Data Analysis • Record and analyze experimental data.
• Work with the PI to prepare reports, abstracts, manuscripts, posters for presentation and/or publication.
Laboratory Operations • Assist with equipment monitoring and evaluation.
• Function as a contact on the monitoring alarm team.
• Review needs and make purchasing recommendations based on anticipated workload.
• Ensure that laboratories are prepared for accreditation and inspection.
Records Management and Data Analysis • Record and analyze experimental data.
• Work with the PI to prepare reports, abstracts, manuscripts, posters for presentation and/or publication.
EDUCATION- Required: Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
- Preferred: PhD Natural sciences.
- Preferred: Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE- Required: 6 years Experimental or scientific work experience, or
- Required: 3 years Experimental or scientific work experience with PhD or medical degree.
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.
