RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR

Job Summary

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan seeks an accomplished Research Investigator to provide scientific leadership within a translational cancer biology research program focused on molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and the development of novel targeted cancer therapies.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for independent and collaborative research projects in molecular and cellular cancer biology.
• Design, execute, troubleshoot, and interpret sophisticated laboratory experiments investigating tumor biology, DNA damage response, radiation biology, targeted therapeutics, and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance.
• Develop novel experimental models to evaluate targeted protein degradation, receptor signaling, biomarker discovery, and combination therapies.
• Apply advanced techniques including molecular cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, mammalian cell culture, protein biochemistry, live-cell imaging, flow cytometry, immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, microscopy, qPCR, and animal tumor models.
• Lead translational studies integrating laboratory discoveries with clinically relevant cancer models.
• Analyze and interpret complex experimental data using appropriate statistical methods and bioinformatics tools.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present research findings at national and international scientific meetings.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant applications, progress reports, invention disclosures, and patent applications.
• Mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, and laboratory trainees.
• Oversee laboratory operations, including project management, protocol development, regulatory compliance, budgeting, equipment oversight, and procurement.
• Foster collaborations with investigators across basic science, translational research, and clinical departments.
• Maintain compliance with institutional, federal, and laboratory safety regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Cancer Biology, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience in cancer biology or translational oncology.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular and cellular biology techniques relevant to cancer research.
• Strong record of peer-reviewed publications in high-impact scientific journals.
• Experience designing and independently leading complex research projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior scientists and collaborate within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Expertise in EGFR biology, receptor signaling, targeted protein degradation, therapeutic resistance, radiation biology, DNA damage response, and precision oncology.
• Experience with xenograft and preclinical animal models.
• Experience with CRISPR genome engineering and advanced molecular biology techniques.
• Track record of invention disclosures, patents, or technology commercialization.
• Experience preparing grant applications and securing extramural research funding.
• Experience working in an academic medical center and collaborating with clinician-scientists.
• Familiarity with translational drug development and biomarker discovery.

Desired Competencies

• Scientific creativity and innovation.
• Independent problem-solving and critical thinking.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent research projects.
• Commitment to scientific rigor, reproducibility, and collaborative research.