Research Scientist

Position Overview

Job Title:

Research Scientist (1‑year term, renewable annually based on funding availability) will conduct independent and collaborative research projects in the Kawasumi Lab at The Ohio State University primarily on skin cancer biology and skin cancer epigenetics. The role focuses on investigating genomic and epigenomic abnormalities in skin cancer and modulating DNA damage responses or epigenetic changes to inhibit skin cancer.

Under the direction of the PI (Dr. Masaoki Kawasumi), the Research Scientist will study UV‑induced DNA damage responses, UV‑mediated skin diseases (skin cancer and lupus), skin disease epigenetics, exosomes, and 3‑D skin models. The goals of these studies are to elucidate molecular mechanisms by which cells sense UV‑induced DNA lesions (CPD and 6‑4PP) and activate biological processes such as ATR‑Chk1 checkpoint signaling, DNA repair, mutagenic translesion synthesis, epigenetic changes and to dissect the molecular mechanisms by which genetic/epigenetic changes occur during cancer evolution, caffeine treatment, and UV‑induced DNA damage and lupus development.

Our approaches include cell culture (primary cells and established cell lines), flow cytometry, DNA replication track analysis, Western blot analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), proteomics, next‑generation sequencing and analysis, genome and epigenome editing, small‑molecule screening, novel and established mouse genetic models, and patient‑derived xenograft (PDX) models.

Critical skills include extensive, direct, hands‑on experience with molecular and cellular assays, mouse studies, documenting research data, identifying technical problems and proposing solutions, taking team science approaches, next‑generation sequencing data analysis, bioinformatics and statistical analysis, scientific writing, presenting data to various groups, aligning expectations and maintaining effective communication (including creating a mentoring compact and Individual Development Plan).

To be successful in this position, the Research Scientist must be highly motivated with a track record of productive research, exemplified by publication(s) and presentations, and willing to discuss with the PI and collaborators, prioritize tasks, get things done on time and on budget, and work in a highly collaborative, open environment. The Research Scientist works as an experimenter, bioinformatician, and scientific writer.

The Research Scientist is responsible for managing junior members of the lab and providing technical and intellectual guidance and troubleshooting, ensuring scientific integrity by providing oversight as well as ensuring that efforts are distributed appropriately. The Research Scientist will develop approaches and protocols as needed, while maintaining quality and cost effectiveness. The Research Scientist will train junior scientists in specific, standardized techniques and instrumentation.

This position will be responsible for contributing to the preparation of oral/poster presentations, manuscripts, grant applications (including scholarship/fellowship/student grant applications for trainees), progress reports, IRB protocols, and IACUC protocols. The Research Scientist will apply a wide scientific background to investigate complex questions and contribute to positive relationships with the PI (Dr. Masaoki Kawasumi), and other colleagues on current and future projects.

The Research Scientist is capable of working independently and collaboratively within the research group, the Department of Dermatology, and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Research Scientist assists the PI with the day‑to‑day mentoring and supervision of the lab members as well as management of all lab duties. The Research Scientist will generate data for publications, write scientific manuscripts, and help prepare for grant applications.

PhD in Biological Sciences or relevant field. Demonstrated ability to be a competent and productive researcher; the incumbent will have authored several publications of considerable interest and value to the field as evidenced by…