Job Title:
Research Scientist - Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics

Department:
Medicine | Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics

The Research Scientist will function as a scientific expert and resource in cancer immunometabolism, tumor immunology, and translational cancer research. The position will focus on understanding how obesity, metabolic dysfunction, diet, gut microbiome, and metabolic therapies influence tumor progression, anti-tumor immunity, and therapeutic response, with particular emphasis on obesity-associated malignancies. The Research Scientist will conceptualize, design, implement, evaluate, and direct independent and collaborative research projects related to cancer biology, tumor-immune interactions, metabolic dysregulation, incretin-based (GLP-1) therapies, and immunotherapy response. Responsibilities will include developing hypotheses and experimental approaches; designing and executing preclinical studies using relevant cancer models; applying advanced cellular, molecular, immunologic, and metabolic techniques; developing and implementing new laboratory methods when required; analyzing and interpreting complex datasets; troubleshooting experimental and technical challenges; and contributing to the strategic direction of the research program.

The Research Scientist will serve as a key scientific contributor within the laboratory and broader research team, participating in research conferences and project meetings to interpret data, discuss progress, establish priorities, and plan future studies. The position will involve collaboration with investigators across disciplines, including cancer biology, immunology, metabolism, bioinformatics, pathology, and translational research. The Research Scientist will keep current with relevant literature and emerging technologies in the field.

The Research Scientist will develop and write research manuscripts, review articles, abstracts, project reports, and scientific presentations. The position will include presenting ongoing work and research findings at institutional, national, and international scientific conferences. The Research Scientist will also contribute to the development, writing, and submission of extramural grant proposals to try to obtain salary and research support from external funding agencies and foundations. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the implementation of funded research projects; contributing to grant progress reports; helping manage research timelines, budgets, regulatory documentation, and experimental priorities; advising laboratory members on experimental design, new technologies, and interpretation of complex data; developing and conducting educational workshops, lectures, and seminars; and supervising graduate students and other members of staff; training junior investigators, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and technicians within the laboratory.

Education/Experience:

Doctoral degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, immunology, or microbiology or a related field, and four+ years of laboratory research required. The successful candidate should demonstrate evidence of strong scientific productivity and independent research potential, including peer-reviewed publications, presentations at professional scientific meetings, contributions to grant applications, and expertise in cancer-focused preclinical research. Experience in tumor immunology, immunometabolism, obesity-associated cancer models, metabolic therapies, immune checkpoint blockade, flow cytometry, molecular biology, and/or transcriptomic approaches is preferred. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and execute complex research projects, interpret and integrate multi-dimensional datasets, communicate findings effectively, contribute to manuscripts and grant proposals, and mentor junior laboratory members is expected.

Additional Information:

Location:
Pelotonia Research Center (1040)

Position Type:
Regular

Scheduled Hours:
40

Shift:
First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.