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Cancer Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Tech

Research Scientist

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

D. in cancer biology, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline. Background in cancer research and a track record of scientific presentations and publications. Proficiency in a range of ...

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How much do cancer research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for cancer research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cancer research scientist?

A Cancer Research Scientist studies the causes, development, and treatment of cancer. They conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and work on developing new therapies or improving existing ones. Their work involves researching cancer biology, genetics, and immunology to understand how cancer spreads and how it can be controlled. They may collaborate with medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies, or research institutions to translate findings into clinical applications. This role is critical in advancing cancer treatments and improving patient outcomes.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a cancer research scientist?

As a Cancer Research Scientist, your day-to-day work may involve designing and conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, preparing reports or research papers, and presenting findings to colleagues or at conferences. You’ll also collaborate frequently with other scientists, clinicians, and research staff to develop study protocols and troubleshoot experimental challenges. Regularly reviewing current scientific literature and staying updated on advancements in the field are important aspects of the role. These tasks support the ongoing mission of advancing cancer research and improving therapeutic outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cancer research scientist?

To thrive as a Cancer Research Scientist, you need a deep understanding of molecular biology, oncology, and experimental design, typically supported by a Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory techniques, bioinformatics tools, statistical software, and compliance with regulatory protocols is essential. Excellent analytical thinking, teamwork, and scientific communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are vital to effectively advance research goals, ensure accuracy, and facilitate successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

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Cancer Research Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cancer Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Research Scientist 3

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center is seeking a full-time Health Sciences Research Scientist 3 who will be responsible for performing translational cancer research in an NIH-funded laboratory, with a focus on ovarian tumor biology, immunology, and immune therapy, and the development of novel therapeutics for clinical applications. The successful applicant will work independently on complex research projects, under the supervision of a senior Principal Investigator, and will be responsible for supervising junior lab members including fellows, students, and research technicians. 

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its more than 136 board-certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They, along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexico's cancer patients from all across the state and partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. They treated almost 15,000 patients in more than 100,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. A total of nearly 1,855 patients participated in cancer clinical trials testing new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The more than 123 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNMCCC were awarded 38.2 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. Since 2015, they have published nearly 1000 manuscripts, and promoting economic development, they filed 136 new patents and launched 10 new biotechnology start-up companies. Finally, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 500 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery. Learn more at http://cancer.unm.edu.

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