Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Wells) Oncology

Primary Location
Location T
Department
Oncology Department
Shift
Day (United States of America)
Schedule
Full time
Weekly Hours
40
FTE
1
Employee Status
Regular

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct research focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with particular emphasis on human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated cancers.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer, and infection with high-risk HPV types is an established driver of several malignancies, including anogenital cancers and a substantial proportion of head and neck cancers. Although preventive HPV vaccines have significantly advanced cancer prevention, effective therapeutic vaccines and antiviral treatments for individuals with established HPV infection remain important areas of investigation.

The laboratory's research seeks to advance our understanding of both HPV-related and HPV-unrelated SCC development and to identify new approaches for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of HPV-associated cancers.

Research Areas
The Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to research investigating:

- Molecular mechanisms by which HPV oncogenes, including E6 and E7, alter host-cell machinery to promote abnormal cell growth and cancer development.
- The role of specific cellular HPV targets in viral replication and cellular transformation.
- Mechanisms involved in HPV-associated and HPV-independent squamous cell carcinoma development.
- Potential new approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of HPV-associated cancers.

Research Models and Methods
Research may include work with:

- Primary human and murine cells and tumors.
- Three-dimensional organotypic epithelial raft cultures.
- Mouse models of cancer.
- Molecular and cellular approaches to studying viral replication, cellular transformation, and tumor development.

Preferred Qualifications

- PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in cancer biology, molecular biology, virology, cell biology, immunology, or a related biomedical field.
- Strong interest in cancer biology, HPV pathogenesis, and translational research.
- Experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques preferred.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
- Strong analytical, scientific communication, and organizational skills.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Develop the skills and knowledge (critical thinking and analysis of data, devising specific aims, long-term project planning and experimental design) to become an independent scientist
- Design, execute, and record laboratory experiments, and analyze data, which may affect decisions regarding future patient care.
- Research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Implement this knowledge in the Division/Department. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment.
- Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Faculty and provide useful recommendations and analysis.
- Present research at laboratory meetings, journal clubs, seminars, and meetings. Develop skills to critically review and discuss data being presented.
- Draft, write, and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles, abstracts, and grants.
- Progressively increasing responsibilities with mentorship of research staff and fiscal administration
- Maintain currency in field through continuing education, literature, and seminars. Be an active participant in the process through intellectual discussions with PI and other faculty, trainees and research staff. Solicit feedback on career trajectory from PI, mentoring committee and others who can provide coaching and insight.
- Attend required Cincinnati Children’s training sessions and ensure regulatory compliance with all institutional (i.e. Infection Control, ORCRA and others as applicable) policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

- PhD/MD or equivalent

About Us

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s.

Cincinnati Children's is:

- Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a  top 10   best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years
- Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH)  Funding
- Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers   (2025) , America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025)
- One of the nation's  America’s Most Innovative Companies  as noted by Fortune
- Consistently certified as great place to work
- A Leading Disability Employer  as noted by the  National Organization on Disability
- Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the  American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)

We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us.

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability