Research Scientist - Neurosurgery - Baskin

The Houston Methodist Peak Brain & Pituitary Tumor Center seeks an Immunologist or Neuroimmunologist to lead investigations into immune dysfunction in glioblastoma (GBM) across both human subjects and preclinical models. This role will integrate advanced immunoprofiling technologies with translational and mechanistic studies to understand how immune cells function, become dysregulated, and respond to therapy in the central nervous system and periphery.

The candidate will design and conduct cross-sectional and longitudinal immune profiling studies in patients undergoing standard-of-care and experimental treatments, incorporating matched analyses of blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tumor tissue. Efforts will include detailed characterization of immune cell phenotypes, states, and functions, as well as biomarker discovery and validation.

Core technologies and approaches will include:

• High-parameter flow cytometry and mass cytometry (CyTOF, Imaging Mass Cytometry) for immune phenotyping.
• Single-cell RNA sequencing with protein indexing (e.g., CITE-seq) and TCR/BCR repertoire analysis to assess immune diversity and clonality.
• Spatial transcriptomics/proteomics platforms.
• Multiplex proteomics to quantify immune mediators in peripheral fluids and CSF.

 The role will also involve hypothesis-driven testing in preclinical syngeneic and patient-derived xenograft mouse models to model immune phenotypes and mechanisms observed in patients, and to assess novel therapeutic interventions.

The position requires close collaboration with neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, pathologists, bioinformaticians, and translational scientists. Candidates must have a strong record in human immunology, experience with computational analysis of high-dimensional datasets, and the ability to bridge basic discovery with translational applications.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under the direction of a Principle Investigator (PI), coordinates and provides technical direction to the work activities of research staff engaged in projects.

• Performs procedures which require a highly developed technical skill.

• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.

• Establishes procedures to be applied for projects.

• Participates in writing manuscripts and publications.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Compiles, writes, and submits project results to the principle investigator.

• Designs, develops, or adapts equipment used in experiments or research to obtain desired results.

• Analyzes data and interprets data.

• Defines problems and possible solutions as dictated by the research project.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in grant writing the specific grant(s).

• Utilizes resources with cost effectiveness and value creation in mind. Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, assisting coworkers as needed.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews scientific literature.

• Seeks opportunities to identify self-development needs and takes appropriate action. Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

EDUCATION

• Doctorate degree in related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in related field of study