Research Scientist PhD

Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children's Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children's Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City - a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children's health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

The Research Scientist will conduct high impact research in basic and translational science with a focus on Cancer Biology and Therapeutics. The work of the Research Scientist will be carried out in the Yong Li Lab within the Center for Molecular Oncology and Cellular Therapeutics  Li Lab focuses on uncovering the molecular and cellular mechanisms that drive cancer initiation, progression, and therapeutic response, with an emphasis on translating these insights into innovative treatments for pediatric patients and beyond.

The lab focuses on key oncogenic drivers and elucidating mechanisms of oncogenic signaling, protein stability, and immune evasion. By integrating biochemistry, molecular genetics, and immunology, the lab will develop novel therapeutic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, DNA vaccines, and targeted protein degraders. The goal is to apply artificial intelligence and experimental validation to understand the fundamental biology of cancer and develop molecular and cellular therapeutics against major drivers in pediatric cancers.

Specifically, the role will involve fundamental discovery and clinical translation by targeting previously "undruggable" oncoproteins and harnessing the immune system to improve cancer treatment outcomes. The individual will work under the supervision of the principal investigator, but with independent responsibilities in experimentation, scientific troubleshooting, grant writing, manuscript preparation, and poster presentations.

At Children's Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it's important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children's Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005.

If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

• Conduct original laboratory research in the general areas of cancer biology and therapeutic development, with a focus on identifying novel therapeutic targets and developing first-in-class treatments.
• Analyzing and reporting results.
• Writing manuscripts.
• Writing grant proposals.

• Ph.D. MD and 3-5 years experience

The benefits plans at Children's Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Learn more about Children's Mercy benefits.

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $34.51/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of…