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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

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

+ N/A

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 Academic Institute oversees the Education Institute and Research Institute, including 772 faculty and 56,250 learners. The Academic Institute aligns our research and education initiatives in service to the clinical mission, providing solutions that answer the call for new technologies and skills our clinicians need for patient care.

Houston Methodist Education Institute coordinates our primary academic affiliation with Weill Cornell Medicine and other joint programs, including the Engineering Medicine Program at Texas A&M University Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine. The Education Institute also oversees continuing medical education and graduate medical education, and supports more than 1,000 trainees in residence for medical, nursing, allied health and research education programs.

Houston Methodist Research Institute supports research programs and infrastructure that enable faculty across the system to bring new scientific discoveries to patients as rapidly as possible through the full cycle of a cure from conceptual bench research, to prototyping and development, to clinical trials and FDA approval. The Research Institute supports more than 1,387 clinical research protocols and $70.3 million in extramurally funded translational research programs.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.