Senior Researcher

Senior Researcher Department:
Medicine | IM Medical Oncology

The PIIO is developing the Center for Antibody Therapeutics (CAT) for producing therapeutic antibodies to fuel pre‑clinical and clinical development. Antibody‑based drug modalities will include monoclonal antibodies, CAR‑T Cell, Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), and Bispecific Antibodies. The CAT Senior Researcher serves as a senior scientific and operational leader, providing strategic and technical expertise in developing and translating antibody‑based therapeutics—including mAbs, cell therapies, ADCs, and multispecific biologics—while leading complex cross‑institutional projects, advancing new technical and operational frameworks, and advising PIIO leadership, faculty, and external partners.

• Work with PIIO leadership to establish a new antibody production service to support research innovation. This will include input on strategic planning, team building, equipment and supplies acquisition, and establishing required service agreements, and working with PIIO administration on establishing appropriate user fees for services.
• Develop antibody‑based therapeutics (e.g., monoclonal antibodies, CAR‑T, ADCs, Bispecifics). Be point person for equipment operation and maintenance. Work with PIIO administration on monthly review core financial reports (income and expenses) and providing input on any necessary adjustments.
  15%
• Collaborate with PIIO investigators to strengthen academic research collaboration, education, and innovation around antibody therapeutics (mPI grants, training grants, IITs). Establish strategic partnerships with industry through incoming or outgoing contracts towards the development of new drug products.
• Develop and direct institutional strategy for integrating nanoparticle and advanced delivery platforms (e.g., lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, exosome‑based delivery, targeted nanocarriers) to enhance tissue targeting, intracellular delivery, and therapeutic index of biologic drugs. This includes evaluating emerging delivery technologies, defining platform adoption roadmaps, coordinating cross‑disciplinary implementation with materials science and engineering collaborators, and advising PIIO and OSUCCC leadership on strategic investment and program prioritization in next‑generation therapeutic delivery technologies.
• Establish and oversee end‑to‑end regulatory strategy for antibody and cell therapy assets, including coordination of IND‑enabling study design, regulatory documentation frameworks (CMC, preclinical, tox), and alignment with FDA and global regulatory pathways. Serve as scientific liaison with regulatory consultants, CROs, and clinical manufacturing partners to accelerate transition from discovery‑stage programs into first‑in‑human readiness.
• Stay abreast of literature in the area of antibody therapeutics. Present at local, national, and international conferences. Assist with the submission of extramural grant applications and manuscript publications.
• Participate in training and mentoring of subordinate antibody core staff. Other duties as assigned.

Doctoral Degree in biology, biological sciences or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience required; extensive experience, at least 6 years, in biological/health science research capacity required; experience in a progressively responsible administrative capacity preferred; extensive experience planning & developing projects preferred; extensive knowledge and expertise in biomedical science required. Preference will be given to applicants with at least 10 years of experience in antibody production.

The OSUCCC – James is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic medical center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities. The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno‑Oncology (PIIO) is a comprehensive bench‑to‑bedside research initiative focused on harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer at all levels —from prevention to treatment and survivorship.

Location:

Biomedical Research Tower (0112) | Position Type:
Regular | Scheduled

Hours:

40 | Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

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