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Cancer Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$73K - $80K/yr

We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician ... Abstracts all cancer sites * Complicated follow-up/recurrences/subsequent treatment * CoC Cancer ...

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Cancer Research information

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$25.5K

$87.4K

$185K

How much do cancer research jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for cancer research in the United States is $87,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $110,000.00 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.
More about Cancer Research jobs
What cities are hiring for Cancer Research jobs? Cities with the most Cancer Research job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cancer Research jobs? The most popular types of Cancer Research jobs are:
What states have the most Cancer Research jobs? States with the most job openings for Cancer Research jobs include:
Clinical Research Nurse 1 - Cancer Research

Clinical Research Nurse 1 - Cancer Research

Rush University Medical Center

Chicago, IL

$40.75 - $72.94/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Rush University Medical Center rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 107 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 1,020 rated hospitals


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: Cancer Center-Res Fac

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $40.75 - $72.94 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:
Job Summary:
The Clinical Research Nurse 1 (CRN 1) is a licensed nurse who delivers clinical care to research participants while supporting the conduct of clinical studies under the direction of a Principal Investigator (PI). Working as part of a multidisciplinary research team, this role assists with participant recruitment, eligibility screening, informed consent, and protocol adherence.
The CRN 1 monitors participants for changes in health status, manages adverse event reporting, and administers study medications when applicable. The nurse educates physicians and staff on study procedures and keeps the clinical team informed about protocol updates and participant status changes.
This entry-level research nursing role requires strong foundational nursing skills, a willingness to learn clinical research regulations, and the ability to communicate with diverse participants and care teams. Exemplifies the Rush mission, vision and values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Other information:
Required Job Qualifications:
•Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) OR Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
•Experience: Two years of clinical nursing practice experience required
•Licenses: Current State of Illinois Registered Nurse Licensure
•Certifications: Current Basic Life Support certification for Healthcare Professionals
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•Regulatory Compliance Awareness – Able to demonstrate introductory knowledge of Good Clinical Practices and/or Good Documentation Practices, human subjects protections, institutional, local, state and federal guidelines and regulations related to clinical research
•Communication Skills – Ability to communicate complex clinical and regulatory concepts in easy-to-understand language.
• Participant Engagement – Ability to build rapport with diverse participants and peers
•Judgment & Escalation – Demonstrated problem-solving, critical decision making, and professional judgment Time Management – Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
•Teamwork & Collaboration – Ability to work successfully both independently and in team settings.
•Flexibility – Flexible work hours and travel may be required
Preferred Job Qualifications:
•Experience: Two years of experience in clinical research as appropriate to study population.
•Certifications: Clinical specialty certification appropriate to study population
Physical Demands:
Competencies:
Disclaimer: The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements

Responsibilities:
JJob Responsibilities:
Relationships and Caring
•Delivers protocol-required nursing care to research participants, including monitoring of health status and documentation
•Follows participant care plans based on protocol requirements and participant needs
•Assesses participant status and communicates follow-up needs to the PI or interdisciplinary care team in alignment with protocol
•Communicates study details and updates to participants, families, and interdisciplinary care team members
•Educates interdisciplinary care teams on protocol requirements
•Notifies the PI and care team of changes in participant health status.
Evidence-Based Practice
oPerforms protocol-defined procedures including medication administration, clinical assessments, and sample collection under supervision.
oEnsure accurate documentation of tasks performed
oSchedules study visits and prepares materials and source documentation per protocol.
oReminds participants of required tests or procedures
oReviews and enters data into study systems accurately and on time
oCoordinates specimen handling and shipping; ensures compliance with sponsor and federal safety requirements
oRecognizes and reports unexpected events, documentation errors, or potential deviations to appropriate staff.
oReports protocol deviations and serious adverse events to the study sponsor and IRB as applicable
Systems Use and Documentation
oMaintains current knowledge of disease-specific conditions and research trends relevant to assigned studies.
oCompletes all required protocol-specific and system trainings
oApplies ALCOA principles to ensure high-quality documentation and data entry across systems
oNavigates multiple systems (including OnCore, REDCap, Epic) to manage participant data, schedule visits and support workflow accuracy
Critical Thinking
•Reviews patient charts and study eligibility criteria; seeks additional information to ensure accurate enrollment, if needed.
•Supports recruitment activities for assigned study participants
•Tracks visit schedules and confirms that study procedures, labs, and documentation are completed per protocol.
•Identifies and communicates potential issues or protocol deviations to the PI or manager
•Maintains routine communication with PI and study team regarding visit completion and participant status, including changes in health status
•Prepares basic documentation and supports monitoring and audit readiness under supervision
•Provides required visit data and procedural documentation in CTMS or other systems to support financial tracking and billing accuracy
Leadership
•Participates in study team meetings and follows assigned responsibilities to support clinical research activities.
•Assists in orienting new research staff to study procedures under supervision
•Assists in preparing regulatory documents and collaborates with regulatory coordinators to submit IRB forms or updates, as directed
•Other duties as assigned

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


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