Assistant Professor - Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation

About the role

The Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota Medical School is seeking a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor on the Research Track with expertise in translational cancer research, extracellular vesicle biology, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, liquid biopsy, and biomarker development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an innovative translational research program centered on extracellular vesicles, circulating biomarkers, cancer proteomics, and precision oncology.
• Identify and validate blood-based biomarkers associated with cancer progression, treatment response, therapeutic resistance, and clinical outcomes, using clinically annotated patient specimens.
• Develop, optimize, and benchmark extracellular vesicle enrichment and isolation strategies suitable for large clinical cohorts, and apply them to proteomic and multiomic molecular characterization of cancer.
• Apply discovery and targeted mass spectrometry, including high-resolution data-independent acquisition workflows and post-translational modification analysis such as phosphoproteomics and glycoproteomics, to the characterization of circulating and vesicle-associated proteins with potential clinical utility.
• Integrate proteomic findings with genomic, transcriptomic, imaging, and clinical data to define biologically and clinically relevant cancer phenotypes, including through survival and outcome associated analyses.
• Investigate molecular mechanisms underlying treatment sensitivity and resistance, including mechanisms relevant to systemic therapy, targeted therapy, radiopharmaceutical therapy, and immune-directed agents.
• Examine interactions between tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, effector and suppressive immune populations, and other components of the tumor microenvironment, including vesicle-associated immune checkpoint and glyco checkpoint ligands.
• Develop and analytically evaluate biomarker assays that may support patient stratification, treatment selection, disease monitoring, and therapeutic development, with attention to sensitivity, reproducibility, and clinical interpretability.
• Conduct preclinical and translational studies that establish the biological relevance of candidate biomarkers using cancer cell models, molecular perturbation approaches, and patient-derived material.
• Establish and pursue additional experimental avenues that advance the development and clinical application of liquid biopsy and proteomic technologies in hematologic malignancies.
• Collaborate with faculty within the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, the Masonic Cancer Center, and across the University of Minnesota on multidisciplinary translational research programs, and contribute scientific expertise to correlative studies embedded within investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials.
• Develop an increasingly independent and externally funded research program consistent with expectations of the Research Track.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and participation in national and international scientific meetings.
• Supervise and mentor research personnel and contribute to the training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical trainees, and other postgraduate researchers in translational oncology, proteomics, extracellular vesicle biology, and biomarker research.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree such as an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in medicine or a relevant biomedical or scientific discipline.
• Successful completion of postdoctoral research training.
• Relevant research experience in laboratory-based preclinical and translational cancer research.
• Demonstrated expertise in extracellular vesicle biology, liquid biopsy, cancer proteomics, and biomarker development, supported by a record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong working knowledge of mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows, including sample preparation, data-independent acquisition, spectral library generation, and quantitative downstream analysis.
• Experience working with clinically annotated biospecimens and integrating laboratory findings with clinical outcomes.
• Experience conducting studies investigating mechanisms of cancer progression, therapeutic response, or treatment resistance.
• Experience supervising research personnel and contributing to the training and development of students or other research trainees.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and collaborative research environments, including partnerships with clinical investigators, biostatisticians, and industry collaborators.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate authorization to work in the United States.

Pay

Pay Range: $90,000-$115,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience. Most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within the organization. The salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Schedule

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Benefits

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area