Assistant Professor - Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages and benefits

Paid holidays and generous time off

Tuition benefit program

Flexible spending accounts

Retirement plans with employer contrib

Employee wellness program

PSLF opportunity

Job summary

The University of Minnesota Medical School invites applications for a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor on the Research Track with expertise in translational cancer research, extracellular vesicle biology, proteomics, liquid biopsy, and biomarker development.

The role focuses on developing a translational program, validating blood-based biomarkers, and integrating multiomic data to define clinically relevant cancer phenotypes. Collaboration across divisions and trials is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in medicine, biology or related field.
• Postdoctoral research trainingCompleted.
• Experience in preclinical and translational cancer research.

Responsibilities

• Lead translational research program focusing on extracellular vesicles and biomarkers.
• Identify and validate blood-based biomarkers with annotated patient samples.
• Develop vesicle enrichment methods for large clinical cohorts and proteomic analysis.
• Apply DIA and PTM analyses to characterize circulating proteins.
• Integrate proteomics with genomic and imaging data to define cancer phenotypes.
• Investigate mechanisms of treatment sensitivity and resistance.
• Develop biomarker assays for patient stratification and disease monitoring.
• Conduct preclinical and translational studies with patient material.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and industry partners.
• Aim to build an independent, externally funded research program.
• Disseminate findings through publications and talks.
• Mentor students and trainees in translational oncology and proteomics.

Skills

Translational cancer research

Extracellular vesicle biology

Mass spectrometry proteomics

Liquid biopsy

Biomarker development

Clinical biospecimens

Data integration with clinical data

Education

Doctoral degree (MD/PhD or equivalent)

Tools

Mass spectrometry workflows

Data-independent acquisition (DIA)

Job description

Job ID: 376645

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Academic

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 9403

Employee Class: Instr Fac/TC and Coord Cmp

About the Job

The Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota Medical School is seeking a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor on the Research Track with expertise in translational cancer research, extracellular vesicle biology, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, liquid biopsy, and biomarker development.

Position Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an innovative translational research program centered on extracellular vesicles, circulating biomarkers, cancer proteomics, and precision oncology.
• Identify and validate blood-based biomarkers associated with cancer progression, treatment response, therapeutic resistance, and clinical outcomes, using clinically annotated patient specimens.
• Develop, optimize, and benchmark extracellular vesicle enrichment and isolation strategies suitable for large clinical cohorts, and apply them to proteomic and multiomic molecular characterization of cancer.
• Apply discovery and targeted mass spectrometry, including high-resolution data-independent acquisition workflows and post-translational modification analysis such as phosphoproteomics and glycoproteomics, to the characterization of circulating and vesicle-associated proteins with potential clinical utility.
• Integrate proteomic findings with genomic, transcriptomic, imaging, and clinical data to define biologically and clinically relevant cancer phenotypes, including through survival and outcome associated analyses.
• Investigate molecular mechanisms underlying treatment sensitivity and resistance, including mechanisms relevant to systemic therapy, targeted therapy, radiopharmaceutical therapy, and immune-directed agents.
• Examine interactions between tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, effector and suppressive immune populations, and other components of the tumor microenvironment, including vesicle-associated immune checkpoint and glyco checkpoint ligands.
• Develop and analytically evaluate biomarker assays that may support patient stratification, treatment selection, disease monitoring, and therapeutic development, with attention to sensitivity, reproducibility, and clinical interpretability.
• Conduct preclinical and translational studies that establish the biological relevance of candidate biomarkers using cancer cell models, molecular perturbation approaches, and patient-derived material.
• Establish and pursue additional experimental avenues that advance the development and clinical application of liquid biopsy and proteomic technologies in hematologic malignancies.
• Collaborate with faculty within the Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, the Masonic Cancer Center, and across the University of Minnesota on multidisciplinary translational research programs, and contribute scientific expertise to correlative studies embedded within investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials.
• Develop an increasingly independent and externally funded research program consistent with expectations of the Research Track.
• Disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and participation in national and international scientific meetings.
• Supervise and mentor research personnel and contribute to the training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical trainees, and other postgraduate researchers in translational oncology, proteomics, extracellular vesicle biology, and biomarker research.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• A doctoral degree such as an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in medicine or a relevant biomedical or scientific discipline.
• Successful completion of postdoctoral research training.
• Relevant research experience in laboratory-based preclinical and translational cancer research.
• Demonstrated expertise in extracellular vesicle biology, liquid biopsy, cancer proteomics, and biomarker development, supported by a record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong working knowledge of mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows, including sample preparation, data-independent acquisition, spectral library generation, and quantitative downstream analysis.
• Experience working with clinically annotated biospecimens and integrating laboratory findings with clinical outcomes.
• Experience conducting studies investigating mechanisms of cancer progression, therapeutic response, or treatment resistance.
• Experience supervising research personnel and contributing to the training and development of students or other research trainees.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and collaborative research environments, including partnerships with clinical investigators, biostatisticians, and industry collaborators.
• Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate authorization to work in the United States.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $90,000-$115,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

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