Principal Scientific Advisor

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX, United States • $200k - $250k / year • 2w ago

The mission of The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public.

The Principal Scientific Advisor is responsible for the development, strategic planning, management, and supervision of biomarker/drug discovery, target identification, validation, translational research and clinical positioning of the Thoracic/Head & Neck Therapeutics Program (THNTP).

KEY FUNCTIONS

Work with Department Chair to lead program in support of Thoracic and Head & Neck Medical Oncology's (THNMO) drug discovery and development programs through strategy and execution for THNMO's drug discovery development portfolio.
As a member of Thoracic/Head & Neck Therapeutics Program (THNTP) leadership team, work alongside program director and chair to set strategic goals for the program including research and commercialization initiatives.
Oversee day-to-day operation of the program by managing THNTP research projects, production activities, and providing functional and technical management to scientific personnel.
Provide direction to overall business plan, scientific proposal and project development, budget proposals, and sustainability plans for the program.
Collect data supporting the metrics that measure research outcomes for experimental and/or new research initiatives, and report results.
Establish the strategy for research and development of highly advanced new technologies and processes through novel ideas and approaches to differentiate the program from competition by innovative and impactful technologies for better diagnostics, data integration, and profiling to build the program's brand.
Identify opportunities to fund, develop, protect, and license intellectual property arising from discoveries made by THNMO/THNTP projects.
Build and manage strong collaborative relationships with internal and external groups, including academic, scientific and industry/corporate partners. Coordinate community outreach initiatives to educate the public on the goals of the program, promote research goals and engage with the community.
Apply expertise in cancer biology, pharmacology, and drug development to direct overall preclinical and translational research strategy and projects. In support of THNMO's mission, establish collaborations with clinical development teams to design and execute preclinical studies.
Translate the Program's innovative research and findings for publication and addition to the growing field of microbiome to market the Program and meet the goals of the THNTP.
Work with the Chair on recruitment and retention of top-notch collaborative and innovative team members.
Maintain the Program's goals of quarterly and yearly meetings on research, educational sessions, and Team Science approach in line with academia, government, healthcare and other allied industries to meet THNTP initiatives.
Oversee the fiscal activities of the program including budgeting, reporting and audit.
Work with related Moon Shots, Strategic Ventures and Development office to ensure financing to support short- and long-term goals, including fundraising initiatives through grant support, corporate and non-profit sources. Partner with Philanthropy to strategically plan fundraising goals for the THNTP program and cultivate relationships with potential donors.
Manage or oversee physical resources and resource allocation dedicated to the THNTP, including space planning, inventory control and property maintenance.
Stay abreast and implement as appropriate new technologies and processes to enable more rapid translation of findings into clinical applications and deploy new technologies to enhance therapeutics discovery or cellular therapy capabilities.

REQUIREMENTS

Education: PhD from an accredited university in Life Sciences

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of experience in developing and contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations, supported by research and development in cell therapy, with a focus on T-cell receptor-based therapeutics and IND-enabling studies. Proven record of innovation and development of applications. Must have a strong background in cancer biology. Must possess scientific and technical skills in cancer genetics. Experience must include supervisory and leadership activities.

Preferred Experience: Industry or industry-like experience in biomedical and cell therapy research.

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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