Research Scientist, College of Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology

University of Cincinnati
parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan
United States, Ohio, Cincinnati
Jan 23, 2026
Job Description Apply now Job Title: Research Scientist, College of Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology Posting Start Date: 1/23/26 Work Arrangement: Onsite Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called "the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu. UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC's success. Job Overview A Research Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Xiaoting Zhang in the Department of Cancer Biology at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, to study transcriptional and epigenetic gene regulation in breast cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance. The Zhang laboratory (https://med.uc.edu/zhanglab) currently focuses on elucidating the role and molecular mechanisms of gene- and tissue-specific transcriptional cofactors, small RNAs and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in the above processes [Estrogen Receptor and Breast Cancer - Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Discovery of ER (1st ed, 2019, Springer Nature), Dev Cell (2021)56(3):341, Cell Reports (2021) 34(10):108822, Cancer Drug Resist 2022; 5(2): 498, Autophagy (2023) 19(6):1662, Cancers (2024) 16(23):3992]. We are using a combination of biochemical, molecular, genomic, and mouse genetic (conditional knockout, mutant knockin, and overexpression) approaches. We are also currently developing RNA-based nano-therapeutics to target these cofactors and small RNAs to overcome the therapeutic resistance of human breast cancer. Essential Functions Study transcriptional and epigenetic gene regulation in breast cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Elucidating the role and molecular mechanisms of gene and tissue specific transcriptional cofactors and small RNAs in these processes by a combination of biochemical, molecular, genomic, and mouse genetic approaches. The goal of this research is to understand how these transcriptional cofactors and small RNAs are working to promote breast cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance, and thus to provide new insights and approaches for the treatment. Daily tasks will include: independently designing and conducting research as required by the faculty supervisor to a high standard and in accordance with all institutional and federal regulations; supporting the development of proposals and writing research-related funding and grants; writing manuscripts independently and engaging in the dissemination of the results of the research; partaking in appropriate training and professional development opportunities. Required Education PhD in Biochemistry, Genetics, Medicine, or related field. Required Experience Additional related work experience may be required depending on field or discipline. Additional Qualifications Considered Prior experience and in-depth knowledge in cancer biology, molecular cellular biology, protein biochemistry, small RNAs, or LLPS is a plus. Physical Requirements/Work Environment Sitting - Continuously Repetitive hand motion (such as typing) - Often Hearing, listening - Often Talking - Often Standing - Often Walking - Often Bending - Seldom Stooping - Seldom Climbing stairs/ladders - Seldom Kneeling, squatting - Seldom Crouching - Seldom Crawling - Seldom Reaching overhead - Seldom Lifting - up to 20 pounds - Seldom Lifting - up to 50 pounds - Seldom Lifting - over 50 pounds - Seldom Compensation and Benefits UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. (UC Benefits Link) Highlights include: Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information: 62,000.00 Comprehensive Tuition Remission UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university. Robust Retirement Plans As a UC employee, you won't contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you'll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14-18% of your salary based on position. Real Work-Life Balance UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including: Vacation and sick time 11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days) 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents Additional Benefits Include: Competitive salary based on experience Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription) Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs Professional development & mentorship opportunities To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page athttps://www.uc.edu/careers.html UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here:https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents Important: To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider "easy apply" applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources atjobs@uc.edu. Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans. REQ:101190 SF:OMJ SF:RM SF:HEJ, SF:INS SF:HERC SF:DIV SF:LJN SF:IHE Apply now