MD Anderson Cancer Center - Houston, TX
posted 4 months ago
The Platform for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research (PRIME-TR) at MD Anderson Cancer Center is dedicated to advancing translational microbiome research with the ultimate goal of improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for cancer patients and at-risk populations through microbiome applications. A significant focus of this research is the tumor microbiome, which seeks to understand the role of various microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, within tissues and the tumor microenvironment, and how these interactions influence tumor onset, progression, and response to therapy. To facilitate this research, PRIME-TR has initiated a project called Bugs in Space, which aims to profile the microbiome and host in situ using advanced multiplex-fluorescent imaging and spatial profiling technologies, such as nanoString's GeoMx™ Digital Spatial Profiler and CosMx™ Spatial Molecular Imager. The Research Scientist will play a crucial role in supporting and developing these projects, collaborating closely with the team lead and serving as a subject-matter expert in in situ microbiome imaging and profiling techniques. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in microbiology and/or pathology, with advanced knowledge and experience in specimen processing and preparation methods for microscopy and imaging. They will be responsible for developing laboratory methods for quality control, coordinating and developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and interfacing with vendors to implement new methodologies. The Research Scientist will also be expected to maintain and operate various types of microscopes and imaging equipment, analyze and quantify microscopic images, and manage large datasets. Additionally, they will provide technical expertise to design and develop projects independently, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and image processing methods for analyzing the microbiome in situ. The position requires excellent communication skills, both written and oral, as the Research Scientist will present findings to professional peer groups, prepare documents for publication, and maintain accurate records of all experimental work performed. This role is pivotal in supporting the research goals of the team and contributing to the broader mission of MD Anderson Cancer Center in cancer research and treatment.