Staff Scientist

Position Summary

The Epidemiology Staff Scientist role in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Public Health (COPH) contributes to the conduct of multidisciplinary team science by serving as the primary bridge between faculty investigators, grant‑funded staff and personnel, institutional shared resources, and administrative units. Duties will vary depending on the faculty member's research program and specific needs, but typically include conducting literature reviews, assisting with writing grant applications, study protocols, submitting and maintaining approvals from the IRB, and for cancer studies, securing Scientific Review Committee approval.

For funded studies, administrative duties include screening applicants for hiring, onboarding and supervision of team members, overseeing logistical aspects of research with the support of staff (e.g., securing storage space for specimens, identifying vendors for assays), and tracking budgets and expenditures. The scientific responsibilities include developing research questions, leading analyses, authoring and editing scientific manuscripts, and presenting at scientific meetings.

This role may also include contribution to the career development and mentorship of faculty, staff, and trainees. Opportunities exist for professional growth and education relevant to the role.

Dr. Thomas

A. Sellers, PhD, MPH seeks an Epidemiology Staff Scientist to drive, oversee and manage a portfolio of research studies related to cancer. Some of these projects will be initiated by the Sellers lab but others will be collaborative projects initiated by faculty within UNMC, other members of the Buffett Cancer Center, and colleagues at other institutions. The primary focus is on the molecular genetic etiology of cancer and by extension early detection of cancer.

However, the interests of the laboratory are broad with the unifying theme the pursuit of bold ideas that require multi‑disciplinary and trans‑disciplinary teams. There is an opportunity, but not an expectation, to propose and lead research projects.

Salary Range: $81,700 - $130,700/annual