Research Scientist

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A 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 in order to investigate what genomic and epigenomic abnormalities exist in skin cancer and how we can modulate 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 3D 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. This position is suited to someone who is eager to attend professional development workshops (including biomedical research integrity program) with a growth mindset and enjoys scientific writing, mastering new skills, multitasking, and working in a team environment. The Research Scientist should have demonstrated ability to develop new and maintain existing collaborations with individuals within the research group as well as external collaborators, research coordinators, physicians, and scientists.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD in Biological Sciences or relevant field. Demonstrated ability to be a competent and productive researcher i.e. incumbent will have authored several publications of considerable interest and value to the field as evidenced by favorable reviews, by citation in the work of others, by presentations of papers to professional societies, and/or will have contributed

inventions, new designs, or techniques which are of material significance in the solution of important applied problems.

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. The Ohio State University is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive public universities and a top employer in Ohio.

As one of only 57 designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute is dedicated to the creation of knowledge in laboratory, clinical and population-based cancer research. We apply those discoveries to develop more effective approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapies – providing tomorrow’s standard of care today. A Cancer-Free World Begins Here.

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. 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.

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Thank you for your interest in working at Ohio State.

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.