Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology

Washington University in St. Louis; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for scholarly development

Mentorship

Job summary

Washington University in St. Louis seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support global oncology research in East Africa. This role involves coordinating research activities, engaging with multidisciplinary teams, and contributing to data analysis and manuscript preparation.

The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. and possess strong project coordination and scientific writing skills. Opportunities for professional development and mentorship are plentiful within this global health research environment.

Qualifications

• Completed Ph.D. or equivalent before start date.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills required.
• Experience in cancer care and global health is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate global oncology research activities.
• Contribute to data analysis and manuscript development.
• Participate in IRB submissions and regulatory activities.

Skills

Project coordination

Scientific writing

Statistical analysis

Education

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal degree

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Position Summary

The Global Oncology Initiative (GOI) within the Division of Oncology at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support implementation and clinical research activities across a portfolio of global oncology projects in East Africa. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Dr. Thomas Odeny and multidisciplinary collaborators on projects focused on cancer care delivery, implementation science, and HIV-associated malignancies. Primary projects include:

• PAMOJA Ignite: A WashU‑funded study examining patient navigation and human‑centered design approaches in cancer care in Kenya. The fellow will support study coordination, data analysis, and dissemination.
• PRIME‑KS (NIH U01): A multi‑site implementation science study evaluating precision imaging tools for Kaposi sarcoma in East Africa. The fellow will contribute to data analysis, manuscript development, and study activities across Kenya and Uganda sites.

Additional selected projects will be coordinated directly with the PI. The position is designed for an early‑career investigator interested in global oncology, implementation science, clinical research operations, and international collaborative research. The postdoctoral researcher will receive mentorship and training in study coordination, IRB and regulatory processes, grants management, scientific writing, implementation research methods, and cross‑site project management. Close collaboration with research teams and institutional partners in Kenya and Uganda will provide hands‑on experience managing international research coordination across diverse clinical and regulatory environments.

The appointment offers opportunities for scholarly development, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, grant writing, and leadership within a collaborative global health research environment. All data, research records and materials, and intellectual property generated in University laboratories remain the property of the University.

By the end of the appointment, the fellow is expected to have:

• Developed and submitted at least one independent grant application.
• Led or co‑led a minimum of two peer‑reviewed publications as first or second author.
• Achieved proficiency in global oncology research methods, including embedding implementation science frameworks within cancer clinical trials.
• Developed competency in mentoring junior researchers, including Kenyan trainees.

There may also be opportunities to participate in additional structured training programs, including the HIGH‑IRI Cancer Cohort, depending on the fellow’s interests and project needs.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Under the supervision of faculty mentors, the postdoctoral researcher will:

• Coordinate implementation and research activities across multiple global oncology projects, including PRIME‑KS, PAMOJA IGNITE, and other studies.
• Serve as a study coordinator for ongoing clinical and implementation science research activities, including tracking study milestones, timelines, documentation, and deliverables.
• Participate in IRB submissions, regulatory documentation, protocol development, data‑sharing processes, and study compliance activities.
• Contribute to the coordination of international research activities, meetings, trainings, and partner engagement efforts.
• Support qualitative and quantitative research activities, including data collection coordination, monitoring study progress, and contributing to analysis and interpretation of findings.
• Design research experiments.
• Lead and contribute to manuscript development, scientific presentations, progress reports, and grant applications.
• Develop expertise in implementation science, global oncology research, and clinical research operations within international collaborative settings.
• Develop proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature.
• Present scientific work internally and externally through meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Maintain accurate research documentation and ensure adherence to institutional, ethical, and regulatory standards.
• Engage in professional development activities related to research leadership, scientific communication, grantsmanship, and academic career development.
• Foster collaborative and respectful working relationships with investigators, trainees, staff, and international partners.
• Adhere to all applicable University policies, procedures, and research compliance requirements.

Working Conditions

This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals.

Salary Range

Base pay is commensurate with experience.

Education & Required Qualifications

Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DrPH, or equivalent) in a relevant field, completed by start date.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Strong scientific writing skills.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and epidemiological methods.
• Genuine interest in cancer care and global health.
• Familiarity with implementation science principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary and cross‑cultural teams.
• Prior research or work experience in Africa.
• Experience with mixed‑methods research.
• Familiarity with NIH grant mechanisms and the research administration landscape.
• Experience supporting clinical or implementation science research studies.
• Familiarity with IRB/regulatory processes and research compliance activities.

Benefits

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to its employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full‑time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. For a summary of benefits, visit the university website.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.