Staff Scientist

University of Chicago • Chicago, IL

2d • $70,000 - $90,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology at The University of Chicago is renowned for advancing the field of radiation oncology through pioneering new clinical approaches, the use of cutting-edge technologies, and impactful translational research. Our distinguished and diverse team of physicians, scientists, and physicists collaboratively provide exceptional patient care while driving scientific discoveries that shape the future of cancer treatment. This research laboratory investigates how radiotherapy interacts with the tumor immune microenvironment to influence tumor progression and metastasis. Our goal is to identify mechanisms of treatment resistance and develop novel strategies to enhance therapeutic responses in solid tumors. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance. The Staff Scientist will lead translational research focused on tumor metastasis, anti-tumor immune responses to radiation, and enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies. This laboratory-based role involves working with murine and human-derived biological specimens under institutional biosafety, animal care, and human subjects protocols. The position includes supervising laboratory technicians and trainees and contributing to the development and execution of grant applications in immunology and radiotherapy. Projects integrate tumor immunology, radiation biology, and translational studies using both preclinical models and patient-derived samples. This leadership role is ideal for a scientist passionate about advancing cancer research through innovative translational approaches and collaborative team science.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

• Experience and knowledge in tumor immunology, multicolor flow cytometry molecular techniques including RNA seq, single cell RNA seq.
• Experience in protein biology and molecular techniques.
• Experience in murine tumor models and human translational studies.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform in vivo tumor experiments, including radiotherapy treatment, immunotherapy combinations, and metastasis assays using murine models.
• Conduct multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting to characterize immune populations in tumors, lymphoid organs, and metastatic sites.
• Process and analyze patient-derived tumor and blood samples in collaboration with clinical teams, following IRB and biosafety protocols.
• Perform molecular and cellular assays, including RNA and protein analysis, functional immune assays, and imaging-based techniques as needed.
• Analyze and interpret large-scale datasets, including bulk and single-cell sequencing data, with support from bioinformatics resources when appropriate.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain experimental protocols and standard operating procedures for complex assays.
• Provide technical training and scientific guidance to research technicians, students, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Contribute to data presentation, figure preparation, manuscript drafting, and grant application materials.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis.
• Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques.
• Manage complex data sets for research.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Benefits

• The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree