Institute Associate Scientist II In-vivo
About the role
The Institute Assistant Scientist II plays a critical role in collaborative scientific research by contributing to laboratory studies, drug discovery initiatives, and cross-functional project teams. The Institute Assistant Scientist II works closely with interdisciplinary researchers to generate meaningful data, support preclinical development efforts, and help accelerate the translation of scientific findings into potential therapies. As part of a research-focused environment, the Institute Assistant Scientist II contributes to advancing the mission of UT MD Anderson through scientific excellence and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Under moderate supervision, contribute to carefully planned project activities through laboratory experiments
- Serve as the coordinating scientist for in vivo pharmacology experiments and mouse breeding
- Maintain animal models of neurodegenerative diseases
- Oral and other dosing of mice
- Collect biological samples from models of disease including genetically engineered mouse colonies
- Collect biological samples from human blood and PBMCs and perform analysis
- Working with a team, design and execute pharmacological studies involving animal models of neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation
- Utilize immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques in brain slices to identify specific expression of relevant proteins following in vivo drug dosing experiments
- Employ safe lab practices
- Maintain research records and laboratory notes
- Analyze data and prepare written and oral reports to project teams
- Interact closely with other research staff across institutional functional teams
- Participate in an integrated drug discovery research team by engaging in interaction with scientists of different disciplines
Qualifications
Required Education: Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
Preferred Education: Master's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Enzymology, Pharmacology, Chemistry or related field.
Required Experience: One year relevant research experience in a lab. No experience required with preferred degree.
Preferred Experience: Experience supporting in vivo research studies, including hands-on work with mouse models in a laboratory setting. Experience includes animal handling and dosing, tissue collection and processing, biological sample collection, animal colony management.
Skills & abilities
- Demonstrate technical proficiency required to do the job; possess up-to-date knowledge in the profession; provide technical expertise to others
- Apply basic technical/functional knowledge to complete work
- Meet essential position requirements
- Contribute to project team
- Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility
- Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions
- Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team
- Strong organizational and analytical skills to support study execution
- Flexibility to work outside of standard business hours, including occasional weekend work to support study timelines and research objectives
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, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and 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