Researcher 2 - Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Ohio State University; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Researcher 2 for its Comprehensive Cancer Center. This role supports the Immune Monitoring & Discovery Platform, primarily involved in managing biospecimen workflows and clinical research operations. Candidates should possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) and relevant research experience. Skills in biospecimen handling, compliance with research regulations, and proficiency with inventory systems are essential. The position is based in Columbus, Ohio and offers a dynamic work environment focused on cancer research.

Qualifications

• Manage daily operations in accordance with NCI/NCTN best practices.
• Coordinate activities with OSUCCC Clinical Trials Office and related labs.
• Maintain accurate chain-of-custody for samples.

Responsibilities

• Support new faculty onboarding and manage compliance programs.
• Oversee shared equipment operations and preventive maintenance.
• Assist with grant preparation and meeting documentation.

Skills

Biological/health science knowledge

Biospecimen handling

Research compliance knowledge

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Written communication skills

Inventory or data systems proficiency

Electronic medical record familiarity

Education

Master’s Degree or equivalent experience

Bachelor’s Degree with 3 years of relevant experience

Tools

LIMS

REDCap

OnCore

Job description

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Job Title

Researcher 2 - Comprehensive Cancer Center

Department

Medicine | IM Medical Oncology

Description

The Researcher 2 supports the Immune Monitoring & Discovery Platform (IMDP) at the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO), with primary effort dedicated to the Immuno-Oncology Network (ION) biobanking and clinical‑research operations. The incumbent manages and optimizes biospecimen lifecycle workflows, coordinates with clinical research partners across the OSUCCC, and contributes to space/equipment operations for PIIO research. This position blends research operations, compliance, biorepository management, and stakeholder coordination to enable high‑quality translational studies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Immuno‑Oncology Network (ION)

• Manage daily ION operations in accordance with NCI/NCTN best practices, including SOP development, biospecimen procurement, banking, characterization, and clinical annotation. Optimize workflows and ensure quality and compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations (IRB, IBC, HIPAA, biosafety).
• Coordinate ION activities with the OSUCCC Clinical Trials Office, Biospecimen Shared Resource (TCC), and Clinical Trial Processing Laboratory (CTPL) to ensure seamless sample processing and data integration.
• Maintain and improve the ION sample inventory database and biorepository systems, ensuring accurate “cradle‑to‑grave” tracking, chain‑of‑custody, and environmental monitoring.
• Assist the IMDP Director with budgeting, financial tracking, annual reports, and grant proposal preparation.
• Serve as liaison to internal and external investigators, ensuring effective communication, timely response to specimen requests, and adherence to established policies and MTAs.

PIIO Research Space Management

• Support onboarding of new PIIO faculty, staff, and trainees; manage guest accounts, lab relocations, and introductions to OSU compliance programs (IBC, IACUC, EHS).
• Oversee shared equipment operations, including installation, warranty tracking, preventive maintenance, and service contract management.
• Assist with grant and meeting preparation, including facility documentation, agendas, and materials for donor and partner visits.
• Contribute to operational planning and implementation to support PIIO research space efficiency, safety, and collaboration.

Career Roadmap Framework

Function: Research and Scholarship

Subfunction: Research

Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Level: S2 Experienced

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s Degree or equivalent experience required; 3 years of relevant experience required with a Bachelor’s Degree, or 1 year of relevant experience required with a Master’s Degree.

Required Qualifications

• Experience applying biological/health science knowledge in a research or clinical research setting.
• Demonstrated experience with biospecimen handling, chain‑of‑custody, and biobanking best practices.
• Familiarity with research compliance (IRB/IBC/IACUC), data privacy, and biosafety requirements.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with inventory or data systems (e.g., LIMS, REDCap, OnCore, or similar) and standard office software.
• Familiarity with electronic medical record system such as Epic and related system.

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in academic or clinical research operations, biobanking, or shared‑resource/core facilities.
• Supervisory experience (technicians or student staff) and basic HR process familiarity within a large institution.
• Experience coordinating with clinical trials units, biospecimen cores, or processing laboratories.
• Experience with quality systems (SOPs, CAP/CLIA exposure, audit readiness) and continuous process improvement.
• Working knowledge of material transfer agreements and data/specimen governance policies.

Additional Information

About Us

The OSUCCC – James is the only cancer program in the U.S. that integrates a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, a nationally ranked academic medical center, and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities.

The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) is a comprehensive bench‑to‑bedside research initiative dedicated to harnessing the immune system to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure cancer.

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.

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