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Job Title:

Research Scientist

Department:

Medicine | IM Medical Oncology

The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James is a leading research institute dedicated to advancing next-generation cancer immunotherapies. The Li Lab, directed by Dr. Zihai Li, investigates molecular mechanisms that govern immune evasion with a particular emphasis on GARP signaling, TGFβ biology, and immune checkpoint regulation. The group develops first-in-class therapeutic platforms—including GARP-targeted antibodies and CAR-based therapies—focused on solid tumors.

The Research Scientist will provide high-level scientific leadership, conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute scholarly output of material significance, and support the lab’s translational pipeline. The role requires demonstrated experience beyond the postdoctoral level, including a strong publication record, presentations to scientific societies, and/or substantive contributions to novel techniques or discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Experimental Leadership

• Lead innovative mechanistic studies defining the molecular, biochemical, and structural basis of immune signaling pathways (e.g., the GARP–TGFβ axis, β-arrestin–mediated signaling, tumor immunoregulation).
• Independently design, execute, and interpret high-impact experiments using biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and structural approaches (e.g., cryo-EM, crystallography, protein engineering).
• Develop new techniques, assays, and research platforms of material scientific significance consistent with Research Scientist expectations.
• Partner with PIIO’s Immune Monitoring & Discovery Platform (IMDP) to integrate structural, phenotypic, and -omics datasets into mechanistic discovery and therapeutic evaluation.

Scholarly & Translational Contributions

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals and present at national/international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to grant applications, patent filings, and other scholarly activities essential to PIIO’s translational mission.
• Support external funding efforts; participate in collaborations with academic, biotech, and pharma partners.
• Advance PIIO initiatives in cell therapy, immunogenomics, structural immunology, and AI-enabled translational discovery.

Laboratory Leadership, Mentorship & Oversight

• Mentor postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff; provide scientific guidance and foster a collaborative, rigorous research environment.
• Ensure responsible research conduct, robust documentation, and reproducibility across projects.
• Assist with laboratory operations, shared equipment management, and coordination of collaborative programs across PIIO centers.
• Contribute to developing and sustaining a safe, inclusive, and innovative research environment.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctoral degree (PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent terminal degree) in Immunology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, or related field.
• Prior research experience beyond the postdoctoral level, demonstrating productivity consistent with OSU Research Scientist criteria.
• Evidence of independent scientific contributions through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and/or development of significant research techniques or tools.
• Strong expertise in immunology, molecular mechanisms, signaling biology, or related mechanistic areas.
• Experience with structural or protein-based mechanistic methodologies (e.g., cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, biophysical assays).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively.

Preferred

• Experience in cancer immunology, immuno-oncology, or therapeutic discovery.
• Prior mentorship or supervision of trainees or research staff.
• Familiarity with computational or structural modeling tools.
• Experience writing or supporting competitive grant proposals.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit:

A cover letter summarizing research interests and career goals. Curriculum vitae with a complete list of publications. Contact information for three professional references.

Additional Information:

The OSUCCC–James is the only cancer program in the United States that combines an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a freestanding cancer hospital, and a nationally ranked academic medical center on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities. Founded in 2019, the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) unites over 250 investigators across OSU and the James in a shared mission to harness the immune system to defeat cancer—advancing discoveries from molecule to medicine, from bench to bedside, and from Ohio to the world.

Location:

Pelotonia Research Center (1040)

Position Type:

Regular

Scheduled Hours:

40

Shift:

First Shift

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The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. 

As required by Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216, Ohio State will: educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly; create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.