Associate Staff Scientist (Ratner) Nerve Tumor Preclinical Therapeutics

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center is seeking an Associate Staff Scientist to join the laboratory of Dr. Nancy Ratner. The candidate will contribute to a strong preclinical therapeutics program, with emphasis on designing and executing experiments and collaborating with external partners.

Ideal candidates hold a PhD or MD/PhD and have enthusiasm for team-based research, with experience in preclinical testing and animal work essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD/PhD with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• Expertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry and modern light microscopy is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute and record laboratory experiments following research protocols.
• Publish scientific reports, papers and abstracts; present at meetings.
• Train and supervise laboratory personnel and contribute to meetings, seminars and publications.
• Assist in budgeting, expenditures, and capital requests; monitor funding and resolve discrepancies.
• Provide leadership and mentorship; support hiring decisions and staff development.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein chemistry

Light microscopy

Animal handling

Education

PhD or MD/PhD

Job description

Job Description

There is an immediate opening for a motivated Associate Staff Scientist to work in the laboratory of Dr. Nancy Ratner. We are looking for a PhD or MD/PhD to enhance a strong preclinical therapeutics program. Strong candidates must be enthusiastic about working as part of a team that includes external collaborators. Expertise in preclinical testing preferred, and ability to work with animals is essential.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct Research - Design, execute and record laboratory experiments; apply standard scientific/research protocols to experiments, research and improve current methods and evaluate innovative techniques. Design and perform experiments and record data according to research protocol. Independently reproduce, evaluate, research and improve techniques currently used. Adapt new methods to existing procedures and modify current experiments through scientific knowledge and intuition. Maintain accurate and detailed records of all laboratory work and experiments. Develop, set-up and verify new procedures in the laboratory. Standardize and establish new published procedures; evaluate innovative techniques. Develop new assays and new protocols; design formats. Discuss relevant insights about experimental results with Director and provide useful recommendations and analysis. Troubleshoot and correct erroneous results or problems with laboratory equipment. Maintain and repair equipment; monitor proper use by personnel. Maintain optimal protocol and assay accuracy by conducting regular quality and reproducibility checks. Demonstrate performance at work, consistency in carrying out instructions, accuracy & attention to detail, achieving expected results & continuous improvement.
• Publish - Draft, write and edit scientific reports, papers, journal articles and abstracts. Present at local, national and international scientific meetings.
• Teamwork - Train and supervise the work of other laboratory personnel as appropriate. Maintain an integral role in the laboratory's meetings, presentations and publications. Present information on research and laboratory work to others at laboratory meetings, journal clubs and seminars. Demonstrate attendance and punctuality, ability to work independently & display initiative and dedication.
• Financial Management - Assist in preparing, writing and maintaining fiscal budget. Monitor expenditures and prepare capital expenditure requests. Prepare, approve and initiate check requests; track funding, maintain accurate balance and resolve any discrepancies.
• Leadership - May act as a mentor to more junior staff, serve as the contact for resolution of complex issues, provide education, guidance and work direction. May provide input and feedback to managers on hiring decisions, professional development and performance management.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD3+ years of work experience in a related job disciplineExpertise in molecular biology, protein chemistry and modern light microscopy is strongly preferred.

Primary Location

Location TScheduleFull timeShiftDay (United States of America)DepartmentEH&CanBio - Exp HemEmployee StatusRegularFTE1Weekly Hours40

About Us

At Cincinnati Children's, we come to work with one goal: to make children's health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children's. Cincinnati Children's is:Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as atop 10 best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH)Funding Recognized as one of America's Best Large Employers (2025), America's Best Employers for New Grads (2025) One of the nation'sAmerica's Most Innovative Companiesas noted by Fortune Consistently certified as great place to work A Leading Disability Employer as noted by theNational Organization on Disability Magnet designated for the fourth consecutive time by theAmerican Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) We Embrace Innovation-Together. We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That's why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we're creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future-for all of us.Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

EEO/Veteran/Disability

Cincinnati Children's is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.