ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST

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.

Required Education:
Ph.D.

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

EEO Statement:
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
Dear Applicant,

Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:

Date of Birth
Gender
*Ethnicity/Race

Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956) 665-2451 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.

Additional Information:
UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Regulatory Affairs.

To apply, visit https://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/51669 je-e957be80d87849af9e9deee798a245bd