Post Doctoral Scholar

The post-doctoral scholar participates in the planning, design, and management of translational cancer research projects, with a primary focus on antibody-based therapies including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and CAR-engineered NK and T cell immunotherapies. They support the development, optimization, and implementation of novel or refined research methodologies and techniques, while independently designing and executing complex laboratory experiments. Their technical expertise encompasses a broad range of advanced in vitro and in vivo techniques. These include molecular biology methods such as DNA and RNA extraction and RT-PCR; the production, purification, and characterization of monoclonal antibodies, ADCs, bispecifics, and CAR constructs; and general mammalian and bacterial cell culture techniques. Additional skills include protein biochemistry methods such as antibody and protein purification, chromatography, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, as well as flow cytometry, immunostaining, and cytotoxicity assays including ADCC, CDC, IncuCyte, RTCA, and surface plasmon resonance assays like Biacore. In vivo experience includes small animal handling and procedural techniques such as tail vein, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous injections for establishing tumor xenografts, along with in vivo imaging and evaluation of therapeutic efficacy. The individual is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting experimental data and collaborates closely with principal investigators to prepare manuscripts, abstracts, and research reports for publication in peer-reviewed journals. They assist in the development and preparation of grant proposals to secure external research funding and conduct critical reviews of scientific literature relevant to ongoing and future research efforts. In addition to their research responsibilities, they train and/or supervise other laboratory staff, monitor laboratory expenses, and participate in overseeing daily lab operations. They ensure compliance with protocol requirements as well as local, state, and federal regulations, and are responsible for monitoring and enforcing laboratory safety procedures to ensure full compliance with OSHA standards.

Required Education and Experience:

• PhD in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, or a related biomedical science field is required.
• Demonstrated experience in translational cancer research, particularly in the development and characterization of antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, or cell-based immunotherapies (e.g., CAR-T or CAR-NK).
• Proficiency in advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA extraction, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, ELISA, Western blotting, protein purification, and cell-based cytotoxicity assays.
• Hands-on experience with small animal models, including tumor xenograft establishment, dosing techniques (e.g., tail vein, IP, SC injections), and in vivo imaging.
• Experience with laboratory operations, equipment maintenance protocols, and safety compliance in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines (e.g., OSHA).
• Strong analytical skills with experience in data analysis, interpretation, and reporting for scientific publications and grant proposals.
• Prior experience in training or supervising laboratory staff and contributing to collaborative, multidisciplinary research teams.

Application Instructions: Candidates must submit a CV, a brief statement summarizing research interests and experience, and contact information for 3 references.

Qualified candidates may be asked to complete a pre-employment physical, including a drug screen.

The OSUCCC James is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic medical center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nations largest public universities. The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) is a comprehensive bench-to-bedside research initiative focused on harnessing the bodys immune system to fight cancer at all levels from prevention to treatment and survivorship.