Principal Research Scientist, Data Science

The primary purpose of this Principal Research Scientist position in the Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (ICT) is to apply strategic technical and scientific expertise to serve as central resource to support and coordinate departmental clinical research by assisting all aspects, including research activities, grant applications and progress reports, publications, and other projects, and serves as liaison with other PIs within our institution as well as with external stakeholders for large-scale multi-institutional projects. A major role will be to oversee scientific aspects of the Clinical Translational Science Award KISMET program, as well as overseeing departmental and investigator-initiated efforts in biomarker discovery including longitudinal monitoring, the unusual responder program as well as biomarker analysis in investigator initiated trials as well as available datasets. This role impacts the quality and effectiveness of collaborations and cancer research efforts in the department.

KEY FUNCTIONS

1. Strategic planning of clinical research projects and initiatives.

* Help design and coordinate efforts of the KISMET program and other selected CTSA programs

* Liaise with collaborators, industry partners, and the NCI to foster clinical trial collaborations and strategic planning of department and institutional driven research priorities and ensures alignment.

* Assist in preclinical contracts and clinical/translational industry collaborations

* Coordinate with internal and external collaborators to provide seamless support from experimental design through data collection and analysis for clinical research.

* Communicate regularly with principal investigators and chair to review study progress.

* Track, manage, document, evaluate, analyze, monitor and troubleshoot scientific and collaborative projects.

* Understand project objectives, information, and ideas presented to generate deliverables in a timely manner.

* Guide and support project team members to accomplish project objectives.

* Guide, mentor, and supervise junior research team members to prioritize responsibilities, accomplish project objectives, set performance development plans and goals, and conduct annual performance evaluations.

2. Scientific Administration and Project Management

* Work closely with the Chair and principal investigators to develop concepts for initiated clinical projects.

* Conduct literature searches for background and rationale for clinical project proposals.

* Establish procedures and systems that enforce and maintain a high level of organization.

* Identify bottlenecks and offer solutions to push initiatives forward.

* Lead Project Management meetings and delegate based on expertise and ability for quick turn-around.

* Coordinates meetings with internal and external collaborators and sponsors and follows up on action items.

* Evaluate, interpret and integrate research data; oversee data management and analysis.

* Create PowerPoint slides for ongoing scientific projects to present to PIs and collaborators.

* Create agendas and meeting summaries (minutes) when appropriate for network meetings.

3. Programmatic research activity and scientific oversight.

* Serves as primary contact and expert resource in programmatic research activities, directing and proposing solutions to advance projects.

* Ability to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of theories, concepts, practices and policies to support complex and/or unprecedented situations across multiple functional areas related to ongoing clinical projects.

* Develops, compiles, and writes scientific reports utilizing complex research data, and generate summaries and progress reports.

* Attends all programmatic research meetings and monitors project progression, deliverables, project timelines and sponsor deliverables in conjunction with research team.

* Interprets results and research outcomes in order to best represent research progress in presentation and graphical formats.

* Knowledgeable in aspects of programmatic initiatives to be able to evaluate scientific challenges that may impact the network as it relates to network resources.

* Participate in faculty meetings, working group meetings, Strategic Alliance meetings.

4. Other duties as assigned.

The performance for all expected outcomes is measured by observation by and reports from the Chair, the accuracy and timeliness of work produced, and the demonstrated ability to effectively work under stress. The position also requires one to anticipate needs, to recognize situations requiring assistance and have the ability to refer or perform any necessary tasks, and to comprehend the goals of the department/program and take the initiative in making decisions and taking actions to further these goals.

The above functions require the following abilities and skills:

* Excellent writing, editing, and verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

* Strong attention to detail.

* Strong organizational skills.

* Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously and effectively in a fast-paced environment.

* Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.

* Ability to work well under pressure and meet critical deadlines.

* Ability to work independently, as well as interact and communicate in a team environment.

* Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks to meet timelines and generate deliverables.

* Ability to work with personal computers using standard word processing software, spreadsheets, and programs for database and graphics usage.

* Use of computer via keyboard, and operating facsimile machine, calculator, printer, photocopy machine, etc. Use of push-button, multiple line telephone set. Must be able to master new software by utilizing available resources (other program personnel, reference manual, training classes, etc.)

* Be clearly understood by verbal communication in face-to-face encounters and by telephone.

* Strong command of the English language, including spelling, writing, and verbalizing and ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.

Core Competencies

IC - Coach & Develop:

- Assess strengths and development needs of employees;

- Provide challenging development opportunities; and

- Provide relevant, timely feedback; mentor others.

IC - Build Relationships:

- Initiate, develop, and manage relationships and networks; and

- Show sincere interest in others and their concerns.

IC - Provide Direction:

- Provide clear direction and priorities toward a common vision;

- Clarify roles and responsibilities for employees; and

- Promote empowerment.

EDUCATION:
Required: PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field or Medical degree.

EXPERIENCE:
Required: Five years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Preferred: Experience and expertise in innovative genomic profiling technologies or cancer target discovery and validation using lab models. Data Science.

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

Additional Information
  • Requisition ID: 172351
  • Employment Status: Full-Time
  • Employee Status: Regular
  • Work Week: Days
  • Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 94,500
  • Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 141,000
  • Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 188,000
  • FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
  • Fund Type: Soft
  • Work Location: Hybrid Onsite/Remote
  • Pivotal Position: Yes
  • Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
  • Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
  • Science Jobs: Yes

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