Pailin Group Executive Search
Assistant Investigator: Cancer Genetics, Epigenetics and Biomarkers Dallas, TX USA
An Assistant Investigator position is available for immediate recruitment for a highly motivated candidate to join a team of researchers at the laboratory headed by a renowned PhD. Focusing on understanding the interplay between genetic and epigenetic alterations in gastrointestinal and other cancers. Our client is a multidisciplinary academic research group, undertaking a number of collaborative projects involving the Institute and large international consortia.
Research Description:
This position involves studies surrounding work in the field of epigenetics and noncoding RNA research. More specifically, the projects will involve any/all of the following research focuses.
Establishment of innovative methodologies for the development of epigenetic and non-coding RNAsbased biomarkers for the earlier diagnosis, prognosis and predictive responses to chemotherapy in gastrointestinal and non-GI cancers.
Exploration of the role of aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (miRNA, lncRNAs, snoRNAs, circRNAs, piRNAs etc.) in colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, esophageal, hepatocellular and other cancers.
A better understanding of the translational and clinical role of genetic and epigenetic signatures in cancers.
Interest and/or experience with exosomal and microvesicular biomarkers
Understanding the genetic basis of early-onset and familial cancers.
Chemoprevention of cancers using dietary nutraceuticals, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other drugs.
Molecular mechanisms of cancer chemotherapy, stem cells, chemoresistance and chemosensitization.
Gut microbiome, and its influence on gastrointestinal cancers.
Job Description:
An ideal candidate should have a strong background in molecular biology, and relevant experience in cancer genetics and epigenetics. The candidates with prior hands-on experience in NGS-based platforms (Ion Torrent PGM sequencer, MiSeq/HiSeq, RRBS, ChIP-Seq, MeDip and RNASeq etc.), and other arraybased platforms will be given preference. Knowledge and experience with various bioinformatics and biostatistical analysis tools will be highly preferred.
The Assistant Investigator is a position for an individual who will pursue a career track as a selfsustaining Scientist. He/she heads a Laboratory that focuses its research in an area that is compatible with the goals of the Research Institute and meets with the approval of the Center Director. The Assistant Investigator is responsible for the hiring, training and management of his/her lab personnel and for assuring that they work according to the Research standards.
While the Assistant Investigator may initially be provided with funds for Laboratory operations, it is the Investigator’s responsibility to obtain grants that will support his/her research efforts and personnel and to produce data that is worthy of publication in leading journals and has patent potential. The Assistant Investigator is part of the Research faculty and will play a role in the continued growth and development of the Research. He/she may be asked to serve on committees, develop collaborations or act as a liaison with external departments. An Assistant investigator may be promoted to the level of Associate Investigator once he/she has obtained at least two grants of a specified nature.
Job Functions:
Heads a Laboratory performing Cancer research in an area compatible with the goals of the Research Center. Is responsible for obtaining and sustaining grants, awards, or other financial support that will be used for salaries, supplies, and other expenses associated with performance of his/her project(s). Hires and oversees the training and supervision of all personnel who work in his/her Laboratory, assuring the safe and proper performance of experiments, including operations of all necessary equipment and apparatus according to the Research standards.
Is responsible for the scientific integrity of all data generated and assures that the data is recorded in laboratory notebooks according to the Research standards.
Obtains and maintains in good standing, all licenses and certifications necessary for the performance of his/her research project, such as Animal Care/Handling certificates, etc. Obtains and maintains in good standing, all Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) protocol approvals, USDA permits, etc., needed for the performance of his/her project(s).
Obtains publications in leading scientific journals. Produces patentable data. Is responsible for the proper use and management of funds received to support his/her research projects.
Attends and participates when possible, in National and International scientific conferences, workshops, programs, etc. to increase knowledge, present data, and promote the presence of the Research Center for the purpose of establishing collaborations and recruitment.
Serves as a research faculty member and participates in the growth and development of the Institute by contributing ideas and expertise that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the Institute’s operations. May be required to serve as a the Research Safety Officer, member of a committee, or as a liaison to other departments or external facilities.
Minimum Requirements: The candidate should possess the following criteria: 1) PhD, MD/PhD 2) Evidence of first author peer-reviewed publications and prior grant funding success, 3) Prior molecular and/or cancer biology experience and evidence of project development, 4) Excellent communication and writing skills. Prospective candidates should be highly motivated, enthusiastic about science, with an ability to think creatively and independently. Candidate should demonstrate a strong track record ofpublication, have good organizational, written, and oral communication skills, and be able to work independently and in a team environment.
Candidate should demonstrate a strong track record of publication, have good organizational, written, and oral communication skills, and be able to work independently and in a team environment. The position is available initially for 2-3 years, with potential for extension. Based on performance, other challenging career leveraging opportunities and enhancements are available.
*Well-qualified professionals, for consideration please forward current CV’s/resumes, three (3) professional references, listing of publications and compensation requirements in complete confidence to
Debra Hartmann, Division Group Manager – dhartmann@pailingroup.com
Pailin Group Professional Search Consultants
Retained executive search consultants worldwide
400 North Ervay Street PO BOX 130903
Dallas, TX 75313-0903 (469)-656-9606
