Institute Research Investigator, Neuroscience

MD Anderson Therapeutics Discovery Division Within The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center lies the Therapeutics Discovery Division (TDD), a non-profit biotech environment driving the future of new small molecule, biologic, immune- and cell-based therapies. Therapeutics Discovery eliminates the bottlenecks that hamper traditional drug discovery by employing a multidisciplinary team of dedicated researchers, clinicians, drug developers, and scientific experts. Our unique structure and collaborative approach allow the team to work with agility, bringing novel medicines from concept to clinic quickly and efficiently - all under the same roof. The Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium (BNDC) is a collaborative enterprise involving a team of drug discovery scientists at MD Anderson's Therapeutics Discovery Division and leading neurodegeneration scientists at Brown, Baylor College of Medicine, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and New York University. The aim of the BNDC is to discover effective, novel and targeted treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders based on improved understanding of the biology driving neurodegenerative diseases. The Cancer Neuroscience Program (CNP) is a cross-functional, multi-department research initiative and signature priority for our institution, with the mission of understanding the complex two-way interaction between the nervous system and cancer. The Institute Research Investigator is a key member of the drug discovery team within the Belfer Neurodegeneration Consortium. This scientist is experienced in neurodegeneration with a strong background in both drug discovery and in data analysis such as transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and mining public big data. This person works within cross-functional drug discovery teams to nominate and validate novel therapeutic targets, design and interpret omics studies, mine longitudinal and cross-sectional human data to build therapeutic hypotheses, and develop biomarker strategies. They are able to excel both at wet lab work and in silico research. The Investigator also has strong interpersonal skills and thrives in cross-functional collaborative research environments. Additionally, the Investigator has technical expertise in database construction and management. The ideal candidate will have completed post-doctoral studies in a neurodegeneration lab or would have helped lead projections in the biopharma industry in neurodegeneration or a related field. What We Offer? Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus 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 and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups. Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs. Key Functions: 1. Apply expert knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases / drug discovery towards designing and interpreting large data sets in the setting of neuroscience drug discovery. 2. With guidance, contribute to multiple cross-functional translational biology programs to identify and validate hypotheses and potential biomarkers that can be tested in clinical trials. 3. Collaborate with corporate and academic partners to execute key program objectives; develop and manage collaborative relationships with internal and external groups. 4. Able to perform basic wet lab functions such as cell culture, tissue staining, RNA and protein isolation, etc. 5. Coordinate data annotation, storage, integration, and retrieval. 6. Interpret, present, and report research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences. 7. Use independent thinking and leadership skills to manage resources, help guide program objectives and make impactful contributions to the overall goals of the BNDC. 8. Work well under pressure and drive projects to meet timelines. Other duties as assigned. EDUCATION: Required: Bachelor's Degree Biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field. Preferred: Master's or PhD in Biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field. EXPERIENCE: Required: Six years relevant research experience in a laboratory. Four years Required experience with Master's degree. No experience required with a PhD in a natural science. Preferred: The ideal candidate will possess: Deep knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly from the data science perspective, to guide development of novel drug candidates Experience in drug discovery or a strong career interest in becoming a drug discovery scientist General knowledge of the types of cellular and animal models used to validate drug targets for neurodegeneration Experience working in a multidisciplinary team to advance project goals Industry experience or a strong publication record in neurodegeneration in peer-reviewed journals Strong omics data analysis skills, ability to interpret results, design of follow-up experiments Good knowledge of translational biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases Database management understanding. Evidence of working in multifunctional teams of scientists to deliver on program objectives Evidence of independent thinking and leadership skills Ability to work well under pressure, drive projects to meet critical timelines and display flexibility to accommodate rapidly changing priorities and deadlines Collaborative attitude and ability to work in a team-based environment Excellent oral and written communication skills Experience mentoring junior scientists 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.

Created: 2026-03-06