Department
School of Medicine / MDOISU Cancer Research
Scope of Job
Under limited supervision and with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment, performs advanced research work by coordinating the development, implementation, and monitoring of specialized research projects. Manages the upkeep, training, and supervision of specialized research equipment within area of assigned responsibility.
Description of Duties
- Explore molecular mechanisms linking to cancer, obesity, liver, women diseases using a combination of biochemical and molecular techniques in cultured cells, xenografts, and engineered mouse models.
- Develops, tests, records, and analyzes research projects based on application expertise and interest in cancer biology, molecular techniques, nanomedicine, drug delivery, pathology, chronic diseases.
- Drive key research questions that crosscut the themes of statistics, graphical models, causal inference, active learning, spatial modeling, and deep generative models.
- Execute multiple projects that will involve analysis of complex biological and medical data including multi-omics, ex vivo drug screens, patient treatment histories, and spatial profiling of cancer patient tissues.
- Develop novel computational methods that power ambitious collaborative projects with high translational impact.
- Prepare manuscripts and assist with grant and proposal submissions related to cancer and other biomedical research.
- Publishes in peer-reviewed publications related to the focus of the research activities assigned and assists with grant and proposal submissions related to cancer and other biomedical research.
- Coordinates, plans, develops, conducts, monitors, and analyzes research projects to include interpreting results, developing nonstandard tests, recommending technology-based solutions, or determining computational strategies; formulates and monitors long-range research objectives, programs, and priorities; reviews, analyzes, and evaluates the impact of legislation, regulations, and policies affecting current research.
- Assists in formulating research objectives and programs and determines the scope and methodologies of research projects and areas to be evaluated; provides consultation and technical advice on research methods and techniques; works with researchers on the development of experiments and interpretation of results for research and teaching.
- Develops policies and procedures used in conducting and administering research and evaluation activities; develops quality assurance procedures and conducts quality assurance reviews on research projects; develops, improves, or customizes products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods; develops data models and databases; may develop new software applications or customize existing applications to meet specific scientific project needs.
- Writes technical papers /reports and prepares standards and specifications for processes, facilities, products, or tests; directs, coordinates, or advises personnel in test procedures.
- Coordinates the collection, compilation, and analyzing of research data to include the use of statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets; prepares and provides presentations for professional organizations, governmental entities, and the public; communicates research results through conference presentations, scientific publications, or project reports.
- Ensures adherence to laboratory standards and practices to maximize safety and operational effectiveness; prepares and schedules equipment use during laboratory/research sessions; may diagnose equipment malfunctions, dismantle, and repair equipment; maintains laboratory instruments to ensure proper working order and troubleshoots malfunctions when needed; compiles and analyzes test information to determine process or equipment operating efficiency or to diagnose malfunctions.
- Trains users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
- Handles all issues relating to laboratory supplies, including ordering materials, maintaining inventory, and proper storage.
- Participates in proposal writing and coordination for external funds for equipment acquisitions; may be a Principle Investigator or Co-Principle Investigator.
- Complies with all State and University policies.
- May be responsible for generating external funds to supplement/sustain a percentage of salary.
- Designs and implements training activities as required.
- Develops and implements an evaluation plan and prepares progress reports as needed.
- Other duties may be assigned.
Supervision Received
Specific supervision from assigned supervisor.
Supervision Given
May plan, assign, and/or supervise the work of others.
Preferred Education
Ph.D. in Biology, Cancer or Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Computational Biology or other closely related biomedical field.
Licenses/Certifications
None.
Required Experience
Four (4) years of relevant disciplinary experience, related to the statement of duties and responsibilities. Knowledge of statistical concepts and methods and their application to research analysis; of measurement, testing, and evaluation; and of research methods, principles, techniques, and philosophies.
Preferred Experience
Demonstrated track research record in the fields of statistics, machine learning, computational biology, data science or related field (computer science, physics, biostatistics, bioinformatics).
Experience in a molecular biology laboratory or closely related experience.
Equipment
Skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative research and in using computers, software, and statistical tools and programs.
Working Conditions
Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. UTRGV is a distributed institution, which requires presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
Other
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the public. May work some evenings and/or weekends. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee research projects, evaluate research data, ensure the development of measuring instruments with respect to reliability, relevance, and validity, interpret and publish research findings, and communicate effectively.
Physical Capabilities
N/A
Employment Category
Full-Time
Minimum Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Posted Salary
Commensurate with Experience
Position Available Date
07/20/2026
Grant Funded Position
Yes
If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date
03/31/2029
