Senior Research Scientist

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Elkins Hills (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to provide scientific leadership for a multi-year cancer immunotherapy program focused on AI‑designed cancer vaccines and immunotherapies from discovery through clinical translation.

The role coordinates multidisciplinary teams across laboratory, computational, and clinical programs, overseeing data integration and alignment with translational objectives, and contributing to publications and grant activities

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's with relevant laboratory experience.
• Experience applying molecular or immunology techniques in a research setting.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific leadership for a cancer immunotherapy program with AI-designed vaccines and immunotherapies from discovery to translational stages.
• Coordinate generation and integration of molecular, immunologic, and clinical datasets to align computational discoveries with experimental validation.
• Lead design, execution, and validation of research initiatives; manage milestones during the four-year funding period.
• Contribute to publications, grant reporting, and development of protocols and future funding opportunities.

Skills

Biological sciences

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Collaborative work

Education

Master's or Bachelor's degree

Job description

Posting Information

Department: Lineberger Compr Cancer Center-426801

Career Area: Research Professionals

Posting Open Date: 10/06/2026

Application Deadline: 10/20/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)

Working Title: Senior Research Scientist

Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty

Position Number: 20078948, 20078946

Vacancy ID: NF0010094

Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent

FTE: 1

Hours per week: 40

Position Location: North Carolina, US

Hiring Range: Dependent on education/experience

Proposed Start Date: 11/09/2026

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world‑class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC‑Chapel Hill offers full‑time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

Patient care

We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education

We prepare tomorrow's healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team‑oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research

We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.

Position Summary

The Senior Research Scientist will provide scientific leadership for a multi‑year cancer immunotherapy program focused on advancing AI‑designed cancer vaccines and immunotherapies from discovery through clinical translation. Reporting to the Director of Clinical and Translational Sciences, this position will lead the design, execution, and validation of research initiatives aimed at identifying tumor‑specific peptide‑MHC targets, evaluating novel vaccine platforms, and developing targeted RNA delivery technologies.

The Senior Research Scientist will oversee the generation and integration of complex molecular, immunologic, and clinical datasets, ensuring alignment between computational discoveries, experimental validation, and translational objectives. The position will provide strategic direction for research design, data quality, and scientific priorities while supporting development of personalized cancer immunotherapies and other emerging treatment approaches.

This role will coordinate multidisciplinary teams across laboratory, computational, and clinical research programs; and monitor progress toward critical milestones throughout the four‑year funding period. The position will also contribute to scientific publications, grant reporting, protocol development, and future funding initiatives.

Through scientific leadership and collaboration, the Senior Research Scientist will help establish foundational resources for the cancer immunotherapy community, including validated target datasets, shared research protocols, and innovative therapeutic delivery platforms. This individual will play a key role in advancing the institution's strategic priorities in precision oncology, translational science, and personalized cancer immunotherapy.

This role is central to achieving the program's four‑year objectives and advancing AI‑enabled personalized cancer immunotherapies from discovery through clinical testing. The position is expected to act as a collaborator and co‑investigator on grants and scientific publications while fostering collaborations across institutional, national, and international research partners.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Master's or Bachelor's and 0-2 years' experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

The position requires a solid background in biological or biomedical sciences, along with the ability to carry out laboratory studies with steady, independent execution. The individual should be comfortable working with common molecular or immunology techniques and able to interpret results clearly. Strong organization, reliable documentation, and effective collaboration with a multidisciplinary team are also important for success in this role.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

Relevant genetics, genomics, computational immunology, systems biology and/or biological experience.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Quick Link

https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/326515

Posting Contact Information

Department Contact Name and Title: Vanessa Perry, Human Resources Consultant

Department Contact Telephone or Email: [e-mail]

Office of Human Resources Contact Information: If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] or send an email to [e-mail] Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.