Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Mercy Medical Center • Baltimore, MD

1d

About The Position

The Surgical Oncology Research Scholar Program at the Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy trains future clinical researchers and advances knowledge in peritoneal surface malignancies, including gastrointestinal, gynecologic, and peritoneal cancers. The research fellow gains experience in research methodology, literature review, study design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of manuscripts and presentations. The experience may help fellows prepare for future medical career steps, such as residency.

The Institute for Cancer Care at Mercy is an internationally recognized referral center for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), offering an environment for multidisciplinary research. Projects span surgical outcomes, pathology, genomics, imaging, systemic therapy, quality of life, and cancer survivorship. Working with principal investigators, research staff, and collaborating departments, the fellow contributes to CRS/HIPEC research and studies intended to translate into clinical practice.

This is a one-year contract position with the possibility of extension. Most fellows require at least two years to develop projects from conception through publication. The program is designed to provide flexibility to support the fellow’s next career step. Visa sponsorship is not available; eligible fees required for participation in the ECFMG’s J-1 program are reimbursed.

Requirements

• M.D. or D.O. degree; international medical graduates are welcome.
• Demonstrated experience in medical research.
• Fundamental knowledge of research design, statistical analysis, and data interpretation, including multivariate and survival analyses.
• Interest in oncology, surgery, and peritoneal surface malignancies.
• Solid English written and verbal communication ability.
• Strong organizational and time-management capabilities with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with statistical software.
• Understanding of oncology treatment principles.

Nice To Haves

• Prior clinical experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct independent research projects, including generating research questions and hypotheses, designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting results, preparing abstracts and manuscripts, and presenting at conferences.
• Conduct comprehensive chart reviews and enter confidential patient data into the research database.
• Assist with Institutional Review Board (IRB) submissions and document preparation.
• Conduct literature reviews to inform study design, methodology, and interpretation.
• Perform statistical analyses, generate reports, and identify and correct data discrepancies.
• Collaborate with principal investigators, research staff, and departmental partners.
• Critically evaluate departmental research projects and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements, including Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Attend weekly research meetings and report progress on ongoing studies.
• Develop a full understanding of national and institutional protocols for peritoneal surface malignancies.
• Assist physicians in developing clinical trial protocols.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and submissions for regional and national presentations.
• Assist physicians with journal reviews using online resources and the Mercy Medical Center Library.
• Attend weekly and monthly multidisciplinary tumor boards to discuss multimodal treatment approaches.
• Participate in the annual research fundraising event, Heat It to Beat It.

Benefits

• Competitive health, prescription, vision, and dental benefits and wellness credit for eligible employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match and catch-up provision.
• Paid time off and company-paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Mental health resources and other wellness opportunities through the Employee Assistance Program.
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability benefits for eligible employees.
• Voluntary benefits.
• Discounts on auto and home insurance and Verizon plans.
• Mercy Rewards & Recognition Program.
• Fifteen days of PTO per contract year; unused PTO may roll over year to year.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate exams and study needs.
• Reimbursement of eligible ECFMG J-1 program fees, including the SEVIS fee, J-1 visa application fee, and ECFMG annual application fee.
• Coverage of travel, lodging, registration, and poster/abstract fees for accepted conference presentations, as well as publication fees for peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Meal allowance for 27 days per month: $8.00 for breakfast, $8.00 for lunch, and $8.00 for dinner.
• Access to two pairs of OR scrubs.
• Complimentary on-site garage parking.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree