Research Scientist - Translational Molecular Pathology
- Requisition #: 180570
- Department: Translational Molecular Path
- Location: Houston, TX
- Posted Date: 4/30/2026
The Translational Molecular Pathology (TMP) department at MD Anderson Cancer Center is at the forefront of advancing precision oncology through innovative biomarker discovery and translational research. This team bridges the gap between laboratory science and clinical application, developing cutting-edge assays and technologies that directly support cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research initiatives.
This Research Scientist role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and innovation-driven environment, contributing to the development and validation of novel tissue-based biomarker assays. You will utilize advanced techniques such as IHC, RNAscope, and spatial profiling to support clinical and translational research efforts that have a direct impact on patient care and scientific discovery.
In this role, you will independently design, develop, and execute research projects, providing technical expertise in biomarker development while ensuring alignment with established methodologies. You will analyze and interpret complex data, maintain accurate records, and compile findings for reporting to collaborators, manuscripts, and grant applications.
You will work closely with principal investigators, scientists, and cross-functional teams to develop scientific content and analytical approaches, including bridging research between human and preclinical (mouse) models. Your ability to collaborate across disciplines and engage with external vendors to implement new methodologies and workflows will be key to advancing research capabilities and improving operational efficiency.
Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, analytical thinking, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment. A passion for innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous learning is essential in supporting the advancement of translational cancer research.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits, along with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research and grow within a world-renowned cancer center dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
**The ideal candidate will have an MD or PhD along with extensive RNA experience and experinece as an MD Anderson Instructor**
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Lab-Specific Technicality
Develop and perform scientific research projects in the area of biomarker discovery and validation. Provide technical expertise on development of novel tissue-based biomarker assays for clinical research using techniques including but not limited to IHC, RNAscope and spatial profiling.
Data Analysis and Management
Provides technical expertise to design and develop research projects in an independent manner. Compiles analysis generated, records results in concordance with standard established methodology, and compiles results for submission to collaborators. Work with PI and other key researchers and scientists to develop scientific content for analysis and reporting. Assists the PI in preparation of manuscripts and grant applications
Collaboration
Work with users at all levels to identify potential solutions and develop analytical pipelines that help enhance productivity of workflows. Develop scientific approach when bridging the gap between human to mouse models. Work with Vendors to implement new methodologies (workflow and integration) utilizing institutional resources and systems.
Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
WORK EXPERIENCE
Additional Information
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This Research Scientist role offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative and innovation-driven environment, contributing to the development and validation of novel tissue-based biomarker assays. You will utilize advanced techniques such as IHC, RNAscope, and spatial profiling to support clinical and translational research efforts that have a direct impact on patient care and scientific discovery.
In this role, you will independently design, develop, and execute research projects, providing technical expertise in biomarker development while ensuring alignment with established methodologies. You will analyze and interpret complex data, maintain accurate records, and compile findings for reporting to collaborators, manuscripts, and grant applications.
You will work closely with principal investigators, scientists, and cross-functional teams to develop scientific content and analytical approaches, including bridging research between human and preclinical (mouse) models. Your ability to collaborate across disciplines and engage with external vendors to implement new methodologies and workflows will be key to advancing research capabilities and improving operational efficiency.
Success in this role requires strong technical expertise, analytical thinking, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment. A passion for innovation, scientific rigor, and continuous learning is essential in supporting the advancement of translational cancer research.
MD Anderson offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including paid medical benefits, generous paid time off, retirement plans, and additional benefits, along with opportunities to contribute to groundbreaking research and grow within a world-renowned cancer center dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
**The ideal candidate will have an MD or PhD along with extensive RNA experience and experinece as an MD Anderson Instructor**
JOB SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES
Lab-Specific Technicality
Develop and perform scientific research projects in the area of biomarker discovery and validation. Provide technical expertise on development of novel tissue-based biomarker assays for clinical research using techniques including but not limited to IHC, RNAscope and spatial profiling.
Data Analysis and Management
Provides technical expertise to design and develop research projects in an independent manner. Compiles analysis generated, records results in concordance with standard established methodology, and compiles results for submission to collaborators. Work with PI and other key researchers and scientists to develop scientific content for analysis and reporting. Assists the PI in preparation of manuscripts and grant applications
Collaboration
Work with users at all levels to identify potential solutions and develop analytical pipelines that help enhance productivity of workflows. Develop scientific approach when bridging the gap between human to mouse models. Work with Vendors to implement new methodologies (workflow and integration) utilizing institutional resources and systems.
Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION
- Required: Master's Degree Natural sciences or related field.
- Preferred: PhD Natural sciences or
Medical Degree
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: 4 years Experimental or scientific work or 2 years Experimental or scientific work with medical degree or
No experience required with PhD.
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.
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: 180570
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 68,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 85,500
- Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 102,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Soft
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: No
- Referral Bonus Available?: Yes
- Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes
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