Research Scientist - Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics

Overview

The Research Scientist will function as a scientific expert and resource in cancer immunometabolism, tumor immunology, and translational cancer research. The role focuses on how obesity, metabolic dysfunction, diet, gut microbiome, and metabolic therapies influence tumor progression, anti-tumor immunity, and therapeutic response, with emphasis on obesity-associated malignancies. The position conceptualizes, designs, implements, evaluates, and directs independent and collaborative research projects related to cancer biology, tumor-immune interactions, metabolic dysregulation, incretin-based (GLP-1) therapies, and immunotherapy response.

The Research Scientist serves as a key scientific contributor within the laboratory and broader research team, collaborating with investigators across disciplines such as cancer biology, immunology, metabolism, bioinformatics, pathology, and translational research. The role requires staying current with relevant literature and emerging technologies in the field.

• Develop hypotheses and experimental approaches; design and execute preclinical studies using relevant cancer models.
• Apply advanced cellular, molecular, immunologic, and metabolic techniques; develop and implement new laboratory methods as needed.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets; troubleshoot experimental and technical challenges; contribute to the strategic direction of the research program.
• Contribute to the development and writing of research manuscripts, review articles, abstracts, project reports, and scientific presentations.
• Present ongoing work at institutional, national, and international conferences; contribute to grant proposals and extramural funding efforts.
• Support funded research projects; assist with grant progress reports; help manage research timelines, budgets, regulatory documentation, and experimental priorities.
• Advise laboratory members on experimental design, new technologies, and interpretation of complex data; supervise graduate students and other staff; train junior investigators, postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and technicians.
• Develop and conduct educational workshops, lectures, and seminars within the laboratory.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines and participate in project meetings to interpret data and plan future studies.

• Doctoral degree in biotechnology, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, or a related field; four or more years of laboratory research experience.
• Strong scientific productivity with evidence of independent research potential (peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, grant contributions).
• Experience in cancer-focused preclinical research; expertise 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 multi-dimensional datasets, communicate findings effectively, and mentor junior laboratory members.

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Thank you for your interest in working at Ohio State.

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

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.