Cancer Biologist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cancer Center (Full Time) (Multiple)
Posting Number
req25938
Department
Cancer Center Division
Department Website Link
https://cancercenter.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Theodorescu Lab within the University of Arizona Cancer Center (UACC) is looking to hire a postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in cancer cell and immunobiology and the tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition to work in cancer cell and immunobiology, projects will also be inducing and characterizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) with emphasis on mechanisms of transformation orchestrated by genomic alterations found in cancer. The trainee will use techniques of biochemistry, molecular biology, and Crispr/Cas9 technologies, functional genomic approaches (loss of function/synthetic lethal), next generation sequencing including single cell RNA sequencing, together with the use of innovative mouse models we have developed. Examples of the type of work that will be undertaken by the trainee can be seen by our papers by Chen (Nature. 2025 Jun;642(8069):1041-1050), Abdel-Hafiz (Nature. 2023 Jul;619(7970):624-631), Gouin (Nature Commun. 2021; 12;12(1)), Agarwal (Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Sep 21;118(38):e2102423118) and Tu (Science Adv. 2019; 20;5(2)). Our final goal is to identify novel biomarkers and interventions for cancer that will improve patient outcomes.
This individual would join a vibrant cancer research group. The successful candidate will be a driven, creative, team-oriented individual with a passion for helping discover fundamental cancer biology mechanisms with potential clinical impact, and who can eventually be moved towards clinical settings. We employ a range of in vitro and in vivo approaches and seek individuals with a strong background in cell and molecular biology. Experience gained in our laboratory will help the candidate to become competitive for permanent positions in either academia or industry. We welcome applications from recent PhD or MD/PhD recipients. For more information, please visit: https://cancercenter.arizona.edu/person/dan-theodorescu-md-phd
Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments. Keeps detailed experimental records and documentation and analyze the results with the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Develop, adapt, and implement new research techniques and protocols.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize and compile data.
• Perform routine and complex laboratory procedures throughout training period.
• Assist in preparation of grant proposals with the PI but is not responsible for generating grant funds.
• Participate in publications and presentations as author or co-author.
• Meets with PI on a regular basis to discuss research progress and plans.
• May be asked to write small grant proposals or NRSA/T32 applications.
• Spends about 75% of time on bench research experimentation and 25% of time on writing articles/analyzing data/online research.

Knowledge,Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work semi-independently on research projects within an area of specialization.
• Thorough technical and theoretical knowledge of research project and the objectives.
• Demonstrated aptitude to perform experimental protocols and procedures, including detailed data collection and analysis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (PhD or MD/PhD) in cancer molecular biology or cell biology or immunology.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outstanding publication record from prior graduate and/or postgraduate training and/or existing extramural funding.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
NIH salary guidelines, Depends on Experience
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
2
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Dr Dan Theodorescu,Theodorescu@arizona.edu
Open Date
5/7/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Application: The online application should be completed in its entirety. Blank or missed information may be considered an incomplete submission.
Cover Letter: Should clearly indicate how your skills and professional employment experience meet the Minimum and the Preferred qualifications (if applicable).
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In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.