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Cancer Biology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oncology focus areas may include radiation biology, cell signaling, genetics, DNA damage and repair, angiogenesis, cancer therapeutics, cellular and molecular response to cancer therapy, stem cell ...

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Cancer Biology information

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$23K

$52.2K

$74.5K

How much do cancer biology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for cancer biology in the United States is $52,190.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $60,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cancer Biology vs Molecular Biologist?

AspectCancer BiologyMolecular Biologist
Required CredentialsTypically a PhD in Cancer Biology, Molecular Biology, or related fieldUsually a PhD or Master's in Molecular Biology or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, biotech companies focused on cancer researchResearch labs, academic settings, biotech firms across various biological fields
Industry UsagePrimarily in oncology research, cancer drug development, and clinical studiesBroadly in genetics, cell biology, biotechnology, and medical research

While both roles involve molecular techniques and research skills, Cancer Biology specializes in understanding cancer mechanisms and developing treatments, whereas Molecular Biologists study fundamental biological processes across various fields. The choice depends on your specific interest in cancer versus broader molecular research.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cancer Biologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cancer Biologist, you need a solid background in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and typically a PhD in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as PCR, flow cytometry, CRISPR, and data analysis software is often required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help researchers excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for advancing cancer research, interpreting complex data, and effectively sharing findings with the scientific community.

What are some common challenges faced by researchers in cancer biology and how can they be managed?

Researchers in cancer biology often encounter challenges such as the complexity and variability of cancer cells, rapidly evolving scientific knowledge, and the need for reproducible experimental results. Managing these challenges involves staying updated with the latest research, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining rigorous experimental standards. Regular communication with clinicians, bioinformaticians, and other scientists also helps in translating findings into meaningful clinical applications.

What is cancer biology?

Cancer biology is the scientific study of the cellular and molecular basis of cancer, including how cancer develops, grows, and spreads in the body. Researchers in this field investigate genetic mutations, signaling pathways, and environmental factors that contribute to cancer. The goal is to understand the mechanisms of cancer to develop better prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, and treatments. Cancer biology combines knowledge from genetics, molecular biology, immunology, and pharmacology to address complex questions about cancer.
More about Cancer Biology jobs
What cities are hiring for Cancer Biology jobs? Cities with the most Cancer Biology job openings:
What states have the most Cancer Biology jobs? States with the most job openings for Cancer Biology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cancer Biology job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,190 per year, or $25.1 per hour.
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center - Chiang Lab [Req#: 917800, Positio...

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER - Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center - Chiang Lab [Req#: 917800, Positio...

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX • On-site

$48K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago


UT Southwestern rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
Postdoctoral Fellow in Transcription, Chromatin, Epigenetics, HPV, Molecular Virology, Cancer Biology, and Small Molecule Inhibitors
Research Area: Molecular Virology, Cancer Biology, Transcription, Chromatin, Gene Regulation, Epigenetic Control, and Posttranslational Modification
A postdoctoral training position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Cheng-Ming Chiang, PhD (https://profiles.utsouthwestern.edu/profile/95126/cheng-ming-chiang.html) in the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center to study breast cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV), mechanism of chromatin-dependent transcription, posttranslational modification of transcription factors, cofactors and the general transcription machinery, cancer biology, and small compound development.
Our current interest is to understand the molecular basis of the epigenetic reader protein BRD4 in transcription programming, DNA repair, and cancer pathway selectivity, and further develop small molecule inhibitors to block the oncogenic function of BRD4 using biochemical, molecular, genetic, chemical biology, and genomic approaches with in vitro-reconstituted chromatin transcription, cell-based, and inducible knockout and knock-in transgenic mouse disease models. Breast cancer and HPV are two disease models presently pursued in the lab.
Qualifications
Applicants with a recent Ph.D. degree and a strong background in transcription, chromatin, protein biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, chemical biology, mouse models, genomics, and proteomics are encouraged to apply. Expertise in animal work is preferred but not essential.
Application Instructions
Information on our postdoctoral training program, benefits, and a virtual tour can be found at http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/postdocs.
Interested individuals should send a CV, statement of interests, and a list of three references to:
Cheng-Ming Chiang, PhD.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75390-8807
cheng-ming.chiang@utsouthwestern.edu
https://labs.utsouthwestern.edu/chiang-lab

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