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Cancer Research Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Cancer Research information

See Iowa salary details

$23.2K

$79.5K

$168.3K

How much do cancer research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for cancer research in Iowa is $79,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,045.00 and $100,090.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cancer Research vs Cancer Biologist?

AspectCancer ResearchCancer Biologist
Required CredentialsTypically requires a PhD or Master's in biology, biochemistry, or related fieldsUsually holds a PhD in biology, biochemistry, or molecular biology
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, pharmaceutical companiesLaboratories, academic institutions, research centers
Employer & Industry UsageResearch organizations, biotech firms, universitiesAcademic labs, research institutes, biotech companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared with Cancer Biologist due to overlapping roles in research

While both Cancer Researchers and Cancer Biologists work in laboratory settings focusing on cancer, Cancer Researchers often have broader roles including clinical trials and drug development, whereas Cancer Biologists primarily focus on understanding the biological mechanisms of cancer at the cellular and molecular levels.

How much do cancer researchers get paid?

Cancer researchers' salaries vary based on experience, education, and location, but typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Entry-level positions often start around $50,000, while experienced researchers with advanced degrees can earn over $100,000, especially in research institutions or pharmaceutical companies.

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

To thrive as a Cancer Researcher, you need a strong background in biomedical sciences, laboratory techniques, and often a PhD or relevant graduate degree. Familiarity with molecular biology tools, statistical analysis software, and laboratory information management systems is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help researchers design studies, analyze data, and collaborate effectively. These skills are vital for advancing cancer understanding, developing new treatments, and contributing to impactful scientific progress.

How do you become a cancer researcher?

To become a cancer researcher, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry, followed by a master's or Ph.D. in cancer biology, molecular biology, or a related discipline. Gaining laboratory experience, developing skills in data analysis, and staying current with scientific literature are also important for advancing in this field.

What are typical collaboration opportunities for professionals working in cancer research?

Professionals in cancer research frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams that include clinicians, pathologists, bioinformaticians, and laboratory technicians. These collaborations are essential for translating laboratory findings into clinical applications, designing effective studies, and analyzing complex data sets. Team meetings, joint grant proposals, and co-authored publications are common, providing valuable opportunities for professional growth and learning from experts in related fields. This collaborative environment also allows researchers to contribute to larger projects and stay updated with the latest advancements in oncology.

What careers are in cancer research?

Careers in cancer research include roles such as research scientist, clinical researcher, laboratory technician, and data analyst. These positions often require knowledge of biology, chemistry, or medicine, and may involve working in laboratories, hospitals, or research institutions to develop treatments and understand cancer mechanisms.

Can you do cancer research without a PhD?

Cancer research roles often require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as biology or chemistry, but many positions, especially laboratory technician or research assistant roles, do not require a PhD. These roles typically involve supporting experiments, data collection, and analysis, and may require specific technical skills or certifications. Advanced research positions, such as principal investigator or senior scientist, usually require a PhD.

What is cancer research?

Cancer research is the scientific study of cancer, including its causes, development, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Researchers in this field work to understand how cancer cells grow and spread, and they develop new methods for detecting and treating different types of cancer. This work can involve laboratory experiments, clinical trials, and the analysis of patient data. The ultimate goal of cancer research is to improve patient outcomes and find cures or more effective therapies for cancer.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cancer Research jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cancer Research jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Cancer Research jobs in Iowa? For Cancer Research jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cancer Research jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cancer Research job openings:
Infographic showing various Cancer Research job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 79% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,543 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Research Associate - Radiology

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

455th of 613 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Radiology is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded preclinical and translational research focused on leveraging redox biology to improve treatment outcomes for lung cancers and neuroendocrine tumors. This position will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary research teams investigating high linear energy transfer (LET) radioligands, pharmacological ascorbate, and other redox-based therapeutic strategies.

The Research Associate will contribute to the design, execution, analysis, and dissemination of innovative research while providing advanced scientific expertise in free radical biology, radiation biology, and cancer therapeutics. Responsibilities include leading laboratory operations, mentoring and supervising research personnel, supporting grant proposal development, preparing scientific manuscripts and presentations, and coordinating collaborative research activities. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research that advances scientific discovery and improves patient outcomes.

Position ResponsibilitiesResearch
  • Conducts independent and collaborative research in redox biology, radiation biology, and cancer therapeutics
  • Designs, develops, and implements experimental protocols to investigate mechanisms of oxidative stress and therapeutic response in cancer
  • Critically evaluates scientific literature and integrate emerging discoveries into ongoing research programs
  • Contributes to the development of research hypotheses, grant proposals, publications, and presentations
Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations
  • Performs basic and complex procedures and techniques as outlined in research protocol, assure fidelity to protocols, may propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of research protocols. 
  • Designs portions of research plan. Monitors, tests and evaluates current procedures
  • Identifies and adheres to Quality Assurance practices to maintain validity and integrity of research data
  • Leads the recruitment of participants for a human subjects' research study and develop a good rapport with research participants
  • Performs subject assessments such as evaluation of psychiatric symptoms and review of medical history; Assures study compliance and prepare documentation for annual review as well as modifications to the IRB
  • Oversees data entry into RedCap and monitor data quality on a regular basis.
Administrative and Project Management
  • Coordinates research activities among multidisciplinary investigators and collaborators.
  • Organizes, maintains, and analyzes research data and study documentation
  • Assists with preparation and submission of manuscripts, abstracts, grant applications, and progress reports
  • Participates in weekly research meetings to review data, plan experiments, and establish project priorities
Facilities and Equipment Management
  • Maintains laboratory equipment and coordinate troubleshooting and repairs when necessary
  • Ensures proper inventory, storage, and utilization of research supplies and reagents
  • Assists in maintaining laboratory compliance with institutional, regulatory, and safety requirements.

The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required of individuals performing this job.

University of Iowa Health Care - recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule: Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Iowa City, IA

Pay Grade: 4A https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans

Specified Term Appointment through July 31st, 2031

Benefits Highlights:
  • Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  • For more information about Why Iowa? Click here
Education Requirements
  • A Bachelor's degree in Radiation Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Free Radical Biology, or related educational field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience 
Experience Requirements
  • Minimum (1-3 years) experience conducting clinical research
  • Experience with molecular biology, biochemical, and cellular analysis techniques
  • Excellent written, verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage complex data
  • Ability to fluctuate occasionally working nights and weekends to enroll patients and/or monitor study patients as may be required by the enrollment protocol of the study
Desirable Qualifications
  • Experience with grant writing and manuscript preparation
  • Experience supervising research staff, students, or trainees
  • Experience working in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments
Application Process

To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and a cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. For questions, please reach out to Lori Steffens at lori-steffens@uiowa.edu.

  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days or until position is filled

  • Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check


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