Postdoctoral Research Scholar - Oncology

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 58,656 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

Faculty and Staff Assistance Program

Childcare benefits

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University is hiring a Postdoctoral Research Scholar to work in veterinary clinical and translational research. The role focuses on canine and feline clinical studies and provides extensive training in clinical research methodologies.

As part of the Department of Clinical Sciences, you will engage in impactful work that enhances animal health and contributes to the advancement of veterinary sciences.

The position offers a supportive team environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of physical examinations and minor surgical procedures.
• Ability to interpret bloodwork and communicate with clients.
• Skills in organizing and analyzing data for research.

Responsibilities

• Execute canine/feline clinical studies and medical record keeping.
• Conduct physical examinations and laboratory activities.
• Organize and present research findings.

Skills

Proficiency in small animal veterinary practice

Excellent communication skills

Computer literacy

Enthusiasm for clinical research

Education

Veterinary Doctorate or equivalent

Job description

Job Details

Posting Number: PG191664PD

Position Number: 00111991

Position Type: Post Doc

FLSA: Exempt

Department ID: 195001 - Department of Clinical Sciences

Department: 195001 - Department of Clinical Sciences

Job City & State: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties

The Postdoctoral Research Scholar will work under the direct guidance of Dr. Mike Nolan, a veterinary radiation oncologist whose research includes both comparative oncology and cancer neurosciences. Specifically, the Nolan Lab engages in two types of research:

• Veterinary Clinical Trials: The purpose is to develop novel therapies for pet dogs and cats with cancer; recent endeavors have included nanoparticle-based therapies, small molecule inhibitors that act as radiosensitizers, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Laboratory-Based Translational Research: The lab uses conventional animal modeling and benchtop approaches in cell and molecular biology to study both mechanisms of cancer treatment induced pain, and crosstalk between pain signaling pathways and cancer behavior.

The Lab is situated within the Department of Clinical Sciences, at North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). The CVM is a dynamic community whose members are dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinary scientists while advancing animal and human health from the cellular level through entire ecosystems.

The candidate will work with other members of the lab team, including two research technicians, a veterinarian who is pursuing a PhD, PhD-level postdoctoral scientists, and several veterinary and undergraduate student researchers. The team also interacts daily with technicians and clinical trial coordinators that work for the College’s Clinical Studies Core. Close on‑site faculty collaborators include Dr. Duncan Lascelles, Dr. Santosh Mishra, and a large number of collaborating clinical faculty on the medical, radiation, and surgical oncology services.

The purpose of this position is to provide the Postdoctoral Research Scholar with training in clinical research including hypothesis generation and testing, data collection, basic statistical analysis, scientific writing and presentation and review of the literature. The position is designed to embed the individual in a large animal (canine/feline) translational and clinical research program, allowing them to acquire skills related to cancer management (diagnosis, treatment, follow‑up) and cancer research.

Duties and Responsibilities

With supervision and support from the PI, lab manager and research team, the candidate will learn to execute previously planned/funded canine and feline clinical studies. This will include clinical activities such as physical examinations, prescribing supportive care, providing care to hospitalized patients, interacting with technicians and support staff, medical record keeping, client communication; laboratory activities such as PBMC isolation and cell culture; and documentation of research outcomes in paper and electronic format. The candidate will learn to organize and analyze data, make written and oral presentations of their research, and, with help from the team, work to publish research results. Daily, they will interact with faculty, postdoctoral associates, and graduate students within NC State, and at collaborating institutions.

Other Work/Responsibilities: If there is downtime and desire, the candidate may contribute to laboratory-based translational research being conducted by the lab, and attend seminars, rounds, lecture.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well‑being. What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement and Leave
• Faculty and Staff Assistance Program
• LEAD courses to enhance your career
• Attend non‑revenue generating sporting events for free
• Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs to build a thriving wolfpack community

Disclaimer: Perks and benefit eligibility is based on Part‑Time or Full‑Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer‑Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Work Schedule

7:30am to 4:30pm, Monday‑Friday, may require weekends or after‑hours (early morning or late evenings).

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education

• Proficiency in small animal (canine/feline) veterinary practice (e.g., physical examinations, minor surgical procedures such as biopsies, interpretation of bloodwork)
• Excellent communication skills (especially written and verbal English)
• Ability to work with others in a collegial team atmosphere
• Computer literacy: working knowledge of common word processing, spreadsheet, and document editing skills
• Demonstrable enthusiasm and interest in clinical research (e.g., previous work/experience, publications)

Required License or Certification

Candidates must meet requirements for a North Carolina Faculty License, or regular North Carolina veterinary licensure.

Valid NC Driver's License required?

No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

No

Anticipated Hiring Range

$58,656 - $62,000

Job Open Date

06/11/2026

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919‑513‑0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E‑Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.