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Research/Scientific Manager - Immunomonitoring Core

Location: Houston Methodist Academic Institute
6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030
Job Ref:
68997
Talent Area:
Leadership Management
Job Shift:
1st - Day
Job Type:
Full-Time
Posted Date:
March 31, 2025

The Immune Monitoring Core at the Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center at Houston Methodist plays a crucial role in advancing cancer research through the application of Immunology methodologies in preclinical and clinical trial research, research design,immune technologies, data analysis, and translational research. The Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center is soliciting applications for PhD level cancer immunologist at the level of Instructor, Senior Research associate, Research Assistant Professor, reporting to the project manager/administrator and immune monitoring core scientific director. Desirable candidates should have experience and expertise in cancer immunology, preclinical and oncology research experience focusing primarily on translation of basic research discoveries. Applicants must have a PhD in a biology-related field with a minimal of 6 years experience in the immunology and a record of peer-reviewed publications showing evidence of productive and collaborative methodological research. Applicants must also demonstrate excellent oral and written communications skills and have an interest in biomedical collaborations. Successful candidates will join a highly interactive institution that is committed to bridging basic discovery to clinical application through collaboration. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including basic scientist, preclinical research scientists, clinicians, translational scientists, and researchers at various levels, to enhance the understanding immunocancer biology and immunmonitoring on the therapeutic immune outcomes from preclinical animal models to clinical trial cancer patients.

Key Responsibilities:

Methodological Support Research and develop the new technology

Develop new methods or new applications for existing methods and new research, independently or collaboratively with other methodologists.
Present in regional or national/international conferences in cancer immunology and transalational research, clinical trials, or public health.
Participate in peer reviews for journals and review sections.
Participate in Immune and Safety Monitoring Boards or other oversight committees as the immune scientific member.
Stay abreast of advancements in novel technology, uptodate new information, clinical trial methodologies, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance and adoption of best practices.

 

Study Support

Collaborate with clinicians and researchers in the design, analysis, and interpretation of preclinical and clinical trials and observational studies focused on cancer immune therapy and cancer biology research.
Offer design suggestions and alternatives to investigators for addressing their aims, including assessing appropriate immunomonitoring revenes/technologiesand feasibility.
Contribute to grant or paper writing as a collaborator/ co-investigator specifically drafting the immune funational readout and considerations section of grants or developing immune monitoring cores for larger grants like program projects or center grants.
Develop immunological read out, analysis methods, and proper assetconsiderations for studies.
Engage in the preparation and review of manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for scientific publications and conferences, contributing immunological insights and data interpretation.
Provide guidance to the data management team on proposed studies, particularly in terms of experimental design.
Review electronic write up form designs to ensure accurate immune assays and analyzable capture of all study evaluations.
Serve as a core member of committees relevant to preclinical core and clinical trials study, such as the Protocol Review and Monitoring Committee (PRMC) and Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), providing scieitific input and guidance.
Contribute to educational activities within the Cancer Center, including mentoring students, fellows, and junior faculty on immunological methodologies and applications in cancer immunology and biological research.

 

Data Analysis

Develop comprehensive statistical analysis plans in multiple immune monitoring assays and adherence to the Division's Standard Operating Procedure for all assays necessitating such a plan.
Directly perform statistical analyses and generating graphical representations.
Condense findings into succinct summaries and draft technical reports for investigators. Additionally, contribute to papers by writing relevant sections such as methods and results.
Aid investigators in implementing analysis plans and interpreting results, facilitating the preparation of research findings for publication.
Collaborate closely on manuscript production and the creation of materials for conference presentations.

 

Qualifications:

1. PhD in Biomedical science with expertise in immunology or a related field with a focus on immunology applied to preclinical or clinical research and translational sciencewith a minimum of 6 years experience in immunology-related research.

2. Demonstrated experience in the design, analysis, and interpretation of preclinical research work and translational research, preferably in the context of oncology or cancer-related research.

3. Proficiency inimmunology functional assays, with the ability to conduct complex multiple chanle design and develop innovative new technology and methodologies.

4. Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, convey cancer immunology concepts to non-immunologyscientist, and contribute to scientific publications and grant proposals.

5. Previous experience in an academic or research-oriented environment, with a track record of scholarly activities such as publications, presentations, and grant applications.

6. Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a dynamic research environment.

7. Experience serving on committees related to translational research design, clinical trials, protocol development, or data monitoring is desirable.

Requirements:

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provides expert guidance to HMAI scientists, staff, management and executives.
  • Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team-focused work unit that actively helps one other to achieve optimal results in relation to area of expertise. Collaborates with scientists, staff, management and executives by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information as it relates to area of expertise in a comprehensive manner.
  • Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.


SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Reviews HMAI activities related to area of expertise and provides guidance or recommendations. Maintains accurate records of expertise related activities and data.
  • Performs research, incorporates novel procedures and improves methods/procedures/ processes related to area of expertise.
  • Serves as liaison between scientists & staff and management, committees & executives related to area of expertise.


QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Establishes and maintains documented, consistent processes related to area of expertise.
  • Writes and maintains regulatory and safety committee applications/protocols related to area of expertise.
  • Identifies opportunities for corrective action and process improvement providing recommendations and contributes to meeting departmental and institute targets related to area of expertise.


FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Assumes responsibility and oversight for goals and objectives related to area of expertise, to include preparing cost projections for department/office activities and maintains accurate records of expenditures.
  • Provides scientific leadership and vision for the Core Facilities Program under $100,000 in revenue and with a budget under $150,000.
  • Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.


GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Determines specific area of expertise institutional goals and objectives to be attained with HMAI Central Administration and Executive Leadership. Assumes responsibility and oversight for those goals and objectives.
  • Participates in 2 to 4 areas of expertise-related conferences and seminars a year. Attends one annual conference a year. Participates in publication and grant writing and prepares scientific presentations.
  • Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.


This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION

  • Bachelor's degree or higher related to area of expertise


WORK EXPERIENCE

  • Five years' experience in expertise; no experience if PhD

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

  • N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
  • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
  • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
  • Excellent verbal and written communication, presentation and public speaking skills to work with others in a collegial atmosphere
  • Skilled to manages sophisticated equipment facility, a TEM, an AFM, A SEM, or specialized animal imaging equipment as PET/CT/SPECT (Siemens Multimodality)
  • Ability to work in office setting, involving the use of office equipment and supplies.
  • Ability to work in a laboratory and/or animal research facility

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

  • Uniform No
  • Scrubs Yes
  • Business professional Yes
  • Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

  • On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

  • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
  • May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute, including 772 faculty and 56,250 learners. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care.

Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports more than 1,000 trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs.

Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports more than 1,387 clinical research protocols and $70.3 million in extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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