AI Machine Learning Specialist

The Cell Therapy Institute at MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading hub accelerating next generation cell based treatments for cancer and other serious diseases. It unites top scientists and clinicians to translate cutting edge immunology and cell engineering research into impactful therapies for patients.

We are seeking an exceptional and passionate Machine Learning Specialist to build AI-driven systems that advance next-generation CAR-NK cell therapy. This Machine Learning Specialist will work at the intersection of machine learning, artificial intelligence, synthetic immunology, and translational cell engineering.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in modern machine learning, including proficiency with PyTorch or TensorFlow; hands-on experience developing generative or representation-learning models such as VAEs and diffusion models; and strong skills in structured or graph-based modeling. They will be highly proficient in Python and possess research or practical experience working with single-cell omics or multimodal biological data, ideally at the PhD level.

At MD Anderson, we offer careers built on care, growth, and balance. Our employees enjoy a benefits package designed to support every stage of life, starting on day one.

• Paid employee medical benefits (zero premium) starting on first day for employees who work 30 or more hours per week
• Group Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D and Disability coverage
• Paid time off (PTO) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) paid leave accruals
• Paid institutional holidays, wellness leave, childcare leave, and other paid leave programs
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service
• Teachers Retirement System defined-benefit pension plan and two voluntary retirement plans
• Employer paid life, AD&D and an illness-related reduced salary pay program
• Extensive wellness, recognition, fitness, employee health programs and employee resource groups

In this role, the Machine Learning Specialist will work closely with laboratory scientists, clinicians, bioinformaticians, and clinical research teams. Together, you will extract insight from complex biological and clinical datasets, including unstructured electronic health records, to speed discovery and support data-driven decisions across the research pipeline.

Our lab uses large-scale single-cell multi-omics, functional perturbation assays, CAR construct design, and preclinical models to systematically engineer more potent, persistent, and controllable next-generation NK cell therapies. This role goes beyond data analysis: the Machine Learning Specialist will help define the computational architecture that supports CAR-NK engineering.

Position Overview

The Machine Learning Specialist will lead the development of scalable machine learning frameworks to model, predict, and optimize:

• NK cell state transitions and exhaustion dynamics
• CAR construct signaling strength and functional performance
• Cytotoxicity and persistence programs
• Predictors of in vivo therapeutic response

This position is ideal for a Machine Learning Specialist who wants to build innovative models with direct impact on immunotherapy.

Key Responsibilities

As a Machine Learning Specialist, you will:

• Design and implement deep learning and probabilistic models for multi-modal biological datasets
• Develop representation learning approaches for NK cell state modeling
• Build predictive models linking CAR design to functional readouts
• Integrate transcriptomic, epigenomic, spatial, and perturbation datasets to better understand CAR-NK therapy efficacy, cytotoxicity, and persistence
• Establish reproducible, scalable machine learning pipelines using tools such as Python and PyTorch
• Collaborate closely with experimental, computational, and translational teams
• Contribute to high-impact scientific publications and grant applications

Why Join MD Anderson

• Work at a world-renowned cancer center driving breakthroughs that directly impact patient lives
• Collaborate with leading scientists, clinicians, and engineers across cutting-edge research programs
• Access state-of-the-art technologies, datasets, and core facilities that accelerate discovery
• Contribute to treatments that move rapidly from research to real-world clinical impact
• Grow your career in an environment built around innovation, mentorship, and scientific excellence

EDUCATION

Required: Bachelor's Degree Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, Computational Biology, or related field.

Preferred: Master's Degree Science, Engineering or related field.

Preferred: PhD Science, Engineering or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required: Three years Scientific software or industry development/analysis experience or one year Required experience with Master's degree. With PhD, no experience required.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent