Research Scientist, College of Medicine, Department of Cancer Biology

Current UC employees must apply internally via Success Factors

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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 ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) 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 over-expression) 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

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