Research Scientist - Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas
Full Time

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Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis
The Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis is an interdisciplinary, basic science research department conducting groundbreaking research aimed at defining the mechanisms controlling normal cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The department also investigates mechanisms involved in genome maintenance to identify the aberrations in these processes that drive cancer.

Research Focus Areas
This Research Scientist position is open in the laboratory of Dr. Jean Gautier . Dr. Gautier studies the mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of genome stability. The laboratory employs various experimental approaches to elucidate the causes and the role of genome instability in cancer. Cell-free extracts derived from the egg of the frog Xenopus laevis are used as a simple model system to study processes that govern genome stability, including DNA replication control, DNA repair, and the cellular response to DNA damage. In addition, cultured normal and tumor cells and mouse models are exploited to analyze biological responses to DNA damage. The Gautier laboratory use a range of techniques including biochemistry, proteomics, live-cell imaging, super-resolution microscopy, Hi-C and genome-wide translocation sequencing.

Key Functions

Research Support

Plans, organizes, coordinates, directs, and participates in scientific research projects.

Determines specific goals or objectives to be attained, evaluates resulting research data, and revises techniques or approaches to resolve problems and advance the project.

Applies considerable scientific knowledge and experience in advancing the aims of the project.

Presents findings and writes articles for publication.

Expertise and Specialization

Provides highly specialized skills, knowledge, and/or expertise that are essential to the success of the project.

Supervises the design, development, or adaptation of equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.

Develops innovative new approaches and/or new technology.

Plans and supervises the training of technicians and other laboratory personnel with respect to proper laboratory techniques, the use of laboratory equipment, and safety procedures.

Laboratory Organization

Responsible for oversight and supervision of the projects.

Assigns/reviews work of subordinates working on the projects.

Represents the lab at conferences and meetings.

Reviews scientific findings/articles.

Compiles, writes, and submits reports to superiors.

Writes grant proposals.

May monitor project spending.

EDUCATION

Required: Masters degree in one of the natural sciences or related field.

Preferred: Medical degree or PhD in one of the natural sciences or related field.

EXPERIENCE

Required: Four years of experience in experimental or scientific work. With PhD, no experience required. With Medical degree, two years of experience in experimental or scientific work.

Preferred: Knowledge of DNA repair, proteomics, biochemistry, genome stability, and live-cell imaging.

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.

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