Researcher

University of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Stephenson Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated Researcher to support laboratory and translational research programs focused on multiple myeloma, CAR-T cell therapy, hematopoietic toxicity, and cellular immunotherapy. The role involves designing and conducting experiments, generating high-quality scientific data, supporting cellular therapy manufacturing and quality control, and contributing to publications and research funding initiatives. The work supports development of new therapies and improved outcomes for cancer patients. The Researcher conducts complex laboratory procedures and maintains accurate research records; operates the Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy system; performs in-process and release quality control testing under cGMP and FACT standards; and conducts flow cytometry, qPCR and ddPCR analyses, cell counting and viability assessments, and sample processing and characterization. The position also involves interpreting and presenting scientific findings, preparing figures and reports, contributing to manuscripts and grant proposals, managing laboratory supplies and inventory, and supporting safe, compliant, and organized laboratory operations. The position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and may include some weekends. Travel is not required. Compensation is commensurate with education and experience, and the position is benefits eligible.

Requirements

Doctoral or terminal degree in a relevant discipline; alternatively, a master's degree in a relevant discipline plus 2 years of relevant research experience may substitute.
Proficiency in aseptic technique and mammalian or primary cell culture.
Experience with flow cytometry and qPCR/RT-qPCR, including data analysis.
Familiarity with regulated or quality-driven work, such as cGMP, GLP, FDA, or ISO medical device quality systems, and good documentation practices, or demonstrated ability to learn them quickly.
Ability to gown for and work in classified cleanroom environments for extended periods.
Ability to manage competing priorities between scheduled manufacturing runs and ongoing research projects.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including standing for extended periods, manual dexterity for laboratory work, repetitive motions, bending and reaching, walking between laboratory spaces, lifting up to 25 pounds, and visual acuity for microscopy and data analysis.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in biology, biomedical engineering, immunology, or a related field with 2 or more years of hands-on laboratory experience, including graduate research; or a bachelor's degree with 3 or more years of experience.
Familiarity with FACT-JACIE standards, AABB, CAP/CLIA, or FDA IND-phase manufacturing.
Experience with assay qualification or validation, environmental monitoring, and deviation/CAPA systems.
Certification such as MLS(ASCP), MB(ASCP), or CQA.

Responsibilities

Plan, design, and execute experiments supporting translational and laboratory-based cancer research programs.
Perform complex laboratory procedures and maintain accurate research records.
Generate high-quality, reproducible data for scientific investigations.
Support research on multiple myeloma, CAR-T cell biology, cellular immunotherapy, and hematopoietic toxicity and recovery.
Operate the Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy system for cellular therapy and translational research.
Perform in-process and release quality control testing under cGMP and FACT standards.
Conduct flow cytometry using MACSQuant platforms, qPCR and ddPCR analyses, cell counting and viability assessments, and sample processing and characterization.
Analyze, interpret, and summarize scientific data.
Present research findings to investigators, research teams, and scientific audiences.
Prepare figures, reports, and scientific documentation.
Contribute to manuscript preparation and peer-reviewed publication efforts.
Assist with research funding proposals, grants, and related documentation.
Procure and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment.
Assist with laboratory inventory management and operational planning.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements, quality standards, and institutional policies.
Support efficient laboratory workflows and maintain organized research environments.