Researcher

University of Oklahoma; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

NCI-designated center

Job summary

The Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City is seeking a Researcher to advance cellular therapy research, translational science, and innovative cancer treatments. You will design experiments, generate data, and support manufacturing and quality control in a collaborative environment.

You will work with leading investigators on multiple myeloma, CAR‑T biology, and immunotherapy programs, contribute to publications and grant opportunities, and help ensure compliance with quality standards and

Qualifications

• PhD or terminal degree in a relevant discipline required.
• Experience expected in high-level laboratory research and data generation.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards and quality systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute experiments for translational and laboratory cancer research.
• Perform complex laboratory procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data for investigations and publications.
• Support cellular therapy manufacturing and quality control processes.
• Assist with manuscript preparation and grant proposals.
• Contribute to research funding proposals and collaborations.

Skills

Experiment design

Flow cytometry

qPCR/ddPCR

Cell culture aseptic technique

Data analysis

Scientific reporting

Education

Doctoral degree

Tools

Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy

MACSQuant flow cytometer

qPCR/RT-qPCR

Job description

Pay Range:Commensurate with education and experience.

Benefits Eligible:Yes

Work Schedule:Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (may include some weekends)

Travel:Not required

Position Introduction:

At the Stephenson Cancer Center, today's laboratory discoveries become tomorrow's lifesaving therapies. If you're a driven scientist who wants to contribute to cutting‑edge cellular therapy research, translational science, and innovative cancer treatments, this is an extraordinary opportunity to join a team advancing the future of cancer care.

Advance Breakthroughs in Cancer Research

The Stephenson Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated Researcher to support innovative laboratory and translational research programs focused on multiple myeloma, CAR‑T cell therapy, hematopoietic toxicity, and cellular immunotherapy. This position offers the opportunity to work alongside leading investigators in a dynamic environment where scientific excellence and collaboration drive meaningful discoveries.

As a Researcher, you will play a key role in designing and conducting experiments, generating high-quality scientific data, supporting cellular therapy manufacturing and quality control processes, and contributing to publications and future research funding initiatives. Your work will directly support research efforts aimed at developing new therapies and improving outcomes for cancer patients.

What You’ll Do

Conduct Innovative Research

• Plan, design, and execute scientific experiments that support translational and laboratory-based cancer research programs.
• Perform complex laboratory procedures and maintain accurate research records.
• Generate high-quality, reproducible data to support ongoing scientific investigations.
• Support studies focused on:
  • Multiple myeloma
  • CAR‑T cell biology
  • Cellular immunotherapy
  • Hematopoietic toxicity and recovery Support Cellular Therapy Manufacturing & Quality Control
• Operate the Miltenyi CliniMACS Prodigy system in support of cellular therapy and translational research initiatives.
• Perform in‑process and release quality control testing under cGMP and FACT standards.
• Conduct specialized laboratory assays, including:
  • Flow cytometry using MACSQuant platforms
  • qPCR and ddPCR analyses
  • Cell counting and viability assessments
  • Sample processing and characterization

Analyze and Communicate Scientific Findings.

• Analyze, interpret, and summarize scientific data.
• Present research findings to investigators, research teams, and scientific audiences.
• Prepare figures, reports, and scientific documentation.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and publication efforts in peer-reviewed journals.
• Assist with the preparation of research funding proposals, grants, and related documentation.

Laboratory Operations & Resource Management

• Procure and maintain laboratory supplies, reagents, and equipment.
• Assist with laboratory inventory management and operational planning.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements, quality standards, and institutional policies.
• Support efficient laboratory workflows and maintain organized research environments.

Why Join Stephenson Cancer Center?

As Oklahoma's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, Stephenson Cancer Center is at the forefront of cancer discovery, treatment, and prevention. Our researchers are advancing innovative therapies that have the potential to transform patient care and improve lives around the world.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• The opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking cancer research.
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and technologies.
• Collaboration with nationally recognized investigators and clinicians.
• Opportunities for publication, professional growth, and scientific advancement.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• A mission-driven environment where every discovery matters.

Make an Impact Through Discovery

This is more than a research position. It is an opportunity to contribute to the development of next‑generation cancer therapies and help bring promising scientific discoveries closer to patients who need them most.

Join Stephenson Cancer Center and help shape the future of cancer research, cellular therapy, and scientific innovation.

Additional Department Duties:

• Proficiency in aseptic technique and mammalian or primary cell culture.
• Experience with flow cytometry and with qPCR/RT-qPCR, including data analysis.
• Familiarity with regulated or quality-driven work (e.g., cGMP, GLP, FDA or ISO medical device quality systems) and good documentation practices or demonstrated ability to learn them quickly.
• Ability to gown for and work in classified cleanroom environments for extended periods.
• Ability to manage competing priorities between scheduled manufacturing runs and ongoing research projects.

Required Education and Experience:

• Doctoral or terminal degree in a relevant discipline
• Experience: 0 years.

Equivalency/Substitution: A master's degree in a relevant discipline plus 2 years of relevant research experience may substitute for the doctoral degree.

Departmental Preferences:

• Master's degree in biology, biomedical engineering, immunology or a related field with 2+ years of hands‑on laboratory experience (graduate research counts), or a bachelor's degree with 3+ years.
• Familiarity with FACT-JACIE standards, AABB, CAP/CLIA or FDA IND-phase manufacturing.
• Experience with assay qualification/validation, environmental monitoring, and deviation/CAPA systems.
• Certification such as MLS(ASCP), MB(ASCP) or CQA.

Physical demands:

• Standing for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours daily)
• Manual dexterity for pipetting and fine laboratory work
• Repetitive motions (pipetting, mouse handling)
• Stooping, bending, reaching for laboratory equipment and supplies
• Walking between laboratory spaces and facilities
• Lifting up to 25 pounds (equipment, supply boxes, animal cages)
• Visual acuity for microscopy and data analysis
• Fine motor skills for dissections and tissue processing

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes