MD Anderson Cancer Center Jobs

MD Anderson is known for providing cancer patients with exceptional care, which includes early access to innovative new treatments through clinical trials. The Institute for Applied Cancer Science (IACS) is a new hybrid model that uniquely combines the drug discovery capabilities of the biopharmaceutical industry and the extensive knowledge of biology found in academia with the expertise of MD Anderson's top clinicians. IACS has the singular goal of rapidly developing novel, effective and safe therapeutics that improve patient health. IACS executes programs with the highest probability of clinical success in a rigorous, goal-oriented, data-driven manner.

The Institute Research Investigator, Medicinal Chemistry, participates in cross-functional research to discover novel oncology therapeutic agents that benefit patients. He/She will be a highly creative synthetic chemist with a strong desire to succeed at the highest level, and will be responsible for the design, optimization and synthetic execution of small molecule targets to advance IACS oncology drug discovery projects. By liaising with other members of the cross-functional project team, this individual will play a key role in the identification and optimization of the next generation of cancer therapeutics.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

• Apply and develop cutting-edge medicinal chemistry tools and methodologies to enable advancement of Institute projects through leadership and experimental activities.

• Analyze data generated by various studies and leverage results for the design of future target molecules.

• Apply state of the art chemistry skills to prepare complex drug candidates molecules; leverage latest synthetic approaches, parallel MedChem and purification techniques.

• Adapt to new technologies and find solutions to related program studies.

• Contribute to the design and synthesis of small molecule modulators of protein targets through lab-based activities.

• Actively contribute to the hypothesis generation and design of new target molecules with improved overall profile.

• Work closely with medicinal chemists, computational chemists and other project team members in the design and optimization of compounds with improved potency, selectivity, and functional activity on their protein target, together with improved ADME properties.

• Trouble shoot synthetic issues with his / her synthetic targets, as well as those of other project team members.

• Contribute patent filing in order secure the intellectual property rights for novel small molecules

• Employ safe lab practice

• Maintain research records and laboratory notes

CORE COMPETENCIES

1.Self-Motivation (Transitional): Set high standards of performance; pursue goals with energy and persistence; drive for results and achievement.

• Demonstrate a personal sense of urgency in getting results. Use personal and management standards to complete assignments.

• Seek to influence standards with proven business practices. Improve own performance by making specific changes in system or work methods.

2. Self-Adaptability (Transitional): Work in situations involving uncertainty, shifting priorities, and rapid change; deal constructively with mistakes and setbacks; demonstrate flexibility.

• Help coworkers with tasks as necessary. Smoothly handle multiple demands, shifting priorities and rapid change. Persist despite obstacles.

• Change own immediate behavior or approach to suit the situation. Remain open-minded and adjust approach on basis of new information.

3. Technical/Functional Expertise (Independent Contributor): 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.

• Seek experiences and knowledge in technical/functional areas to gain additional expertise. Troubleshoot systems/processes effectively.

4. Analytical Thinking (Transitional): Gather relevant information systematically; break down problems into simple components; make sound decisions.

• Identify relationships among a few parts of a problem. Scan own knowledge and experience base to determine potential solutions.

• See multiple relationships among several parts of a problem. Recognize likely causes of events or consequences of actions. Use data from multiple sources to support assumptions.

5.Team with Others (Independent Contributor): Encourage collaboration and input from all team members; value the contributions of all team members, and those beyond team; balance individual and team goals.

• Support and show respect to team members. Recognize how individual actions affect the team.

• Model team qualities, i.e. respect helpfulness and coping. Support team decisions once they are made and help to implement.

Working Conditions

Office environment

This position requires:

Working in Office Environment

_No

X Yes

Working in Patient Care Unit (e.g. Nursing unit; outpatient clinic)

X No

__Yes

Exposure to human/animal blood, body fluids, or tissues

XNo

__ _ Yes

Exposure to harmful chemicals

__No

X Yes

Exposure to radiation

X No

__Yes

Bench (Laboratory) work

__No

X Yes

Physical Demands

Indicate the time required to do each of the following physical demands:

Time Spent

Never

0%

Occasionally

1-33%

Frequently

34-66%

Continuously

67-100%

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Reaching

X

Lifting/Carrying

Up to 10 lbs

X

10lbs to 50 lbs

X

More than 50 lbs

X

Pushing/Pulling

Up to 10 lbs

X

10lbs to 50 lbs

X

More than 50 lbs

X

Use computer/keyboard

X

EDUCATION:

Required: Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, enzymology, pharmacology, chemistry or related field.

Preferred: PhD in synthetic organic chemistry or a PhD in medicinal chemistry.

EXPERIENCE:

Required: Six years experience of relevant research experience in laboratory With Master's degree, four years of required experience. With a PhD in a natural science or Medical degree, no experience required.

Preferred: Experience in pharma or Biotech Company or equivalent, or post-doc in organic synthesis.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD in Organic Chemistry and a Postdoc in organic synthesis. Strong knowledge of contemporary synthetic organic chemistry, with a demonstrated track record of creative independent problem solving. Expert knowledge in the latest synthetic methods. Skilled experimentalist with demonstrated ability to conduct challenging multi-step organic chemistry synthesis and overcome synthetic hurdles, trained in various purification and analytical techniques. Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals. Interest in automated and computational chemistry. Experience mentoring chemists and knowledge of the drug discovery process will be a plus. Excellent communication, writing and organizational skills are a must. Familiarity with relevant biological disciplines and ability to integrate knowledge from these areas into the design of new bioactive compounds.

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: 171814

• Employment Status: Full-Time

• Employee Status: Regular

• Work Week: Days

• Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 101,325

• Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 127,100

• Maximum Salary : US Dollar (USD) 152,000

• FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay

• Fund Type: Soft

• Work Location: Onsite

• Pivotal Position: Yes

• Referral Bonus Available?: Yes

• Relocation Assistance Available?: Yes

• Science Jobs: Yes

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