Researcher 2 - Comprehensive Cancer Center

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

Job summary

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center seeks a Researcher 2 for the Immune Monitoring & Discovery Platform. This role involves managing biobanking and clinical research operations in compliance with regulations, optimizing workflows, and coordinating activities among various stakeholders. Candidates should have a Master’s Degree or equivalent experience, alongside strong skills in biological sciences, biospecimen handling, and data management. Familiarity with compliance protocols is also required. The position is based in Columbus, Ohio and emphasizes teamwork and communication.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree or equivalent experience required with relevant experience in a research setting.
• Experience with biospecimen handling and biobanking best practices.
• Familiarity with research compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily ION operations according to best practices.
• Coordinate activities with clinical trial offices.
• Maintain the ION sample inventory database.

Skills

Biological/health science knowledge

Biospecimen handling

Data management

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Education

Master’s Degree or equivalent experience

Bachelor’s Degree (3 years relevant experience)

Tools

LIMS

REDCap

OnCore

Epic

Job 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.
• 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 systems.

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.

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

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