Research Scientist - Neurosurgery - Baskin

Overview
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. Houston Methodist Standard
PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.
HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities
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. Qualifications
EDUCATION

• Doctorate degree in related field

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Experience in related field of study

License/Certification
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• N/A

KSA/ Supplemental Data
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles

• Demonstrated knowledge of biomedical research

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs No
• Business professional Yes
• Other (department approved) Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile
Houston Methodist Research Institute was formed in 2004 to rapidly and efficiently translate discoveries made in the laboratory and the clinic into new diagnostics, therapies, and treatments. The research institute was created to provide the infrastructure and support for these endeavors, and to house the technology and resources needed to make innovative breakthroughs in important areas of human disease. A 540,000 square foot building dedicated to research, the research institute houses over 1,500 staff and trainees, 284 principal investigators and has more than 570 ongoing clinical trials.