Research Associate - Comprehensive Cancer Center

Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plan with employer credits

Job summary

The Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center invites applications for a Research Associate to support the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource. The role emphasizes strong small animal handling experience as core competency, with instrument-specific imaging modalities and analysis workflows taught through training.

Candidates should be prepared to maintain rigorous data records, work collaboratively with scientists and care teams, and contribute to compliant, humane animal procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required; 3 years of relevant experience with Associate's Degree, or 1 year with Bachelor's Degree.
• Strong, demonstrated experience with small animals, especially mice and rats, including handling, restraint, injections, physiological monitoring.
• Ability and willingness to learn instrument-specific imaging modalities, image acquisition workflows, and software through training and supervised competency development.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists, management, animal care teams, and trainees.

Skills

Small animal handling

Anesthesia support

Data recording

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

3 years of relevant experience with Associate's Degree

1 year of relevant experience with Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Small animal imaging platforms

Job description

Job Title: Research Associate - Comprehensive Cancer Center

Department: CCC | Administrative Office

Summary: The Research Associate supports the scientific, operational, and technical activities of the Preclinical Imaging Shared Resource. Preferred candidates will bring strong small animal handling experience as the core competency for success in this role. Preclinical imaging instrumentation, platform-specific acquisition techniques, and analysis workflows can be taught; technical animal skill, procedural judgment, consistency, and respect for animal welfare are the most important starting capabilities. Instrument-specific imaging modalities, software workflows, and platform-specific techniques can be taught through structured training; therefore, the ideal candidate brings strong small animal technical capability and the ability to learn preclinical imaging instrumentation over time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required; 3 years of relevant experience required with Associate's Degree, or 1 years of relevant experience required with Bachelor's Degree.
• Strong, demonstrated experience with small animals, especially mice and rats, including handling, restraint, manipulation, anesthesia support, i.v./i.p./s.c. injections, physiological monitoring, recovery, and humane euthanasia.
• Highly confident and comfortable performing hands‑on animal procedures with attention to animal welfare, procedural consistency, and investigator needs.
• Ability and willingness to learn instrument‑specific imaging modalities, image acquisition workflows, irradiation workflows, and applicable software through training and supervised competency development.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with scientists, management, animal care teams, and trainees in a fast‑paced research environment.
• Strong recordkeeping skills and ability to maintain accurate digital data, procedural logs, study notes, and documentation.

Career Roadmap

FUNCTION: Research SUB‑FUNCTION: Research CAREER BAND: Individual Contributor - Specialized CAREER LEVEL: S1

Additional Information: Location: Pelotonia Research Center (1040) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

Ohio State benefits give you options to take care of what matters most to you — and opportunities to make adjustments as your life and needs change, including:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

As Buckeyes, we accomplish more together. No matter your role, you’ll be part of creating what people need now: pathways to education, research and health care. Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit. We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top-20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers. We’re a team of dedicated colleagues with access to boundless resources that support you.