Job Details

Research Scientist

Position Number: 6354450
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Medicine - Medical Researcher

Research Scientist

Job Summary

The Precision Cancer Models (PCM) Shared Resource at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) is seeking a PhD-level Research Scientist to lead and support advanced preclinical research. PCM enables translational cancer research by providing access to sophisticated in vivo and in vitro cancer models, with a focus on patient-derived xenografts (PDX), organoids (PDO), and therapeutic testing. The Research Scientist will design, execute, and oversee experiments, serve as a key scientific collaborator for cancer investigators at HCI and the University of Utah, and contribute to the PCM's mission of advancing cancer treatment through high-quality preclinical science.

This position requires deep technical knowledge, scientific independence, strong communication skills, and a service-oriented mindset. Candidates should demonstrate experience in cancer biology, drug development, and/or in vivo modeling, along with a commitment to mentorship and team leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in cancer biology, molecular biology, pharmacology, or a related biomedical field.
At least 2 years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience; experience in preclinical model systems strongly preferred.
Demonstrated proficiency with in vivo experimentation and/or in vitro cancer modeling.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Experience mentoring junior scientists or technical staff.
Commitment to collaborative research and service to the cancer research community

Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to cancer prevention, care, and survivorship for all communities within the area we serve - which includes Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming - with impact worldwide.

In your cover letter or during your interview process, we invite you to share how your professional experiences have prepared you to serve as a member of our team as we work to reduce the cancer burden experienced by all people and communities. This may include description of your prior experiences related to research, prevention, clinical care, community engagement/outreach, training, administration, or other areas relevant to Huntsman Cancer Institute's mission and this position.

Responsibilities

Design and manage in vivo and in vitro studies to evaluate therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacodynamics.
Guide model selection (PDX, PDO, syngeneic, GEMM, cell-line xenografts) and experimental strategy in collaboration with investigators.
Perform and/or supervise experimental procedures including cell culture, tumor implantation, drug administration, imaging, and tissue harvest.
Analyze and interpret data; prepare figures, reports, and content for grants and publications.
Serve as a primary scientific liaison between PCM and collaborating investigators.
Provide training and mentorship to junior staff and students in preclinical techniques and data analysis.
Ensure compliance with institutional guidelines (IACUC, IBC, EHS); contribute to protocol development and review.
Participate in teaching activities such as protocol instruction, team-wide training sessions, and workshops.
Maintain and operate specialized equipment (e.g., IVIS, microCT, irradiator); ensure quality control and documentation.
Contribute to PCM operations including resource planning, experimental timelines, and shared protocol development.

Work Culture & Expectations
The PCM is a dynamic Shared Resource that exists to support the cancer research community at HCI and the University of Utah. As a service-oriented team, we take pride in helping investigators design and implement rigorous, reproducible preclinical studies that accelerate cancer discoveries. Our culture emphasizes scientific excellence, professionalism, and collaborative problem-solving. We are committed to the highest standards of animal welfare and maintain deep respect for the lives of study animals, ensuring humane care in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines. Research Scientists are expected to take scientific ownership of projects while maintaining flexibility and responsiveness to investigator needs. Weekend or after-hours work may occasionally be required to support time-sensitive studies. We also value teaching and mentorship as central to our mission-sharing knowledge, training staff, and contributing to the development of the next generation of translational scientists.
Additional Information

This position does not involve patient care.
Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Work may require standing, animal handling, and lifting up to 5 kg.
Employment is contingent upon successful background check and institutional onboarding procedures.

DisclaimerThis job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.Work Environment and Level of Frequency that is be required

Often: Office environment.
Nearly Continuously: Exposure to human and animal cells.
Occasional: Infectious disease, human and animal tissues.

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that is be required

Nearly Continuously: Sitting, hearing, listening, talking, repetitive hand motion (such as tissue culture, mouse handling, typing), walking.
Often: Bending, reaching overhead, lifting up to 5kg.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry or other scientific discipline in a related field plus four years of experience or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience) required. Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills also required.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN42371B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 01354 - HCI Early Translational Cores
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 47600 to 88000
Close Date: 8/31/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/184981