The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is one of the world's most respected centers focused on cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. It was named the nation's No. 1 hospital for cancer care in U.S. News & World Report's 2021-2022 rankings. It is one of the nation's original three comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

SUMMARY

The primary purpose of the Research Scientist position is to apply technical expertise and experience to coordinate, design, and carry out cancer research projects while following standard operating procedures for the laboratory.

JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Research
Independently design experiments and interpret results. Prioritize and manage multiple experiments in a timely and resource-effective manner. Plans, designs and initiates research projects and protocols directed by Principal Investigator, determines specific goals or objectives to be attained. Develop and establish methods for Illumina based NGS and direct RNA sequencing of tRNAs using Oxford Nanopore MinION instruments. Generate custom guide RNA libraries and perform CRISPR screens in leukemia cell lines. Develop tools for manipulation of tRNA expression. Work with genetically engineered animal models to study the function of tRNA processing genes in leukemia. Keep up to date with current pertinent literature and present innovative ideas to the group.

Supervision
Supervises and mentors' trainees and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment and safety procedures. Guide, teach and supervise technicians and students to accomplish research or other laboratory duties.

Lab Development/Publications
The candidate will work closely with the PI for assistance in grant progress report, grant preparation, manuscript writing, assist with the report of experimental results for presentation in scientific meetings and publication in peer-reviewed journals. Participate in laboratory meetings to present research findings to colleagues. Attend to academic conferences or meetings for oral or visual production of posters.

Other duties as assigned

Education: Masters degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Education Preferred: PhD in Biology, Biological Sciences, Life Sciences or related field.

Experience: Four years of experience in experimental or scientific work. With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Experience Preferred: With PhD and completed at least 3 years in a Postdoctoral Fellowship with an area relevant to the focus of research in Dr. Thandapani's laboratory.

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. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html