Freelance Cancer Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist 3
Requisition ID
req35932
Working Title
Research Scientist 3
Position Grade
13
Position Summary
UNMCCC invites applications for the Research Scientist position to understand the perturbed signaling mechanisms in ovarian cancer. The research work involves identifying mechanisms that enable cancer cells to adapt to endoplasmic reticulum stress and chemotherapy stress. We utilize multi-omics approaches like bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, and patient-derived xenograft models to address specific research questions.
Responsibilities and qualifications:
• Experience in cell culture-based experiments, transfections, proliferation assays, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and DNA, RNA, and protein isolation, quantitative PCR.
• Designs, performs, and oversees experiments. Ensures data integrity, quality control, and adherence to research protocols. Applies advanced analytical and problem-solving approaches to troubleshoot research challenges.
• Analyzes, interprets, and presents research data. Prepares statistical reports, graphs, manuscripts, and conference presentations.
• Maintains and ensures proper use of laboratory equipment, promoting biosafety compliance. Work collaboratively with other researchers to promote a productive environment.
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 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 they partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. In 2024 they treated more than 15,000 patients in almost 105,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. A total of 2,075 patients participated in cancer clinical trials to study 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 UNM Cancer Center were awarded $38.3 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. Since 2015, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 750 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery.
Website: unmhealth.org/cancer
See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications
• PhD or MS
Additional Requirements
Finalists should be prepared to provide official educational transcripts if selected for hire.
Applicants must provide names of 3 professional references that the hiring official can contact.
Campus
Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM
Department
Division of Molecular Medicine (099X)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
1 year from date of hire
Status
Exempt
Pay
$4,236.27 - $5,950.53
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
2/23/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
No
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
APPLICANT: Please complete the official application; making sure to include all prior work experience and average hours worked per week. Attach your Current Resume; listing three Professional References. Attach your Cover Letter that details how your experience matches the position as described above; including any Preferred Qualifications.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.