Research Scientist 3

The Research Scientist III provides scientific leadership, operational oversight, and technical expertise in support of a large, federally funded gynecologic cancer research program. This position independently designs, coordinates, and oversees complex molecular, cellular, genomic, and translational research activities across multiple NIH and other sponsored projects. Responsibilities include directing laboratory operations, coordinating project timelines and deliverables, mentoring postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff, analyzing and interpreting scientific data, supporting manuscript and grant development, and ensuring efficient utilization of laboratory resources. The position serves as a key scientific and operational leader within the laboratory, working closely with the Principal Investigator to advance research objectives, maintain compliance with sponsor requirements, and support the successful execution of a diverse cancer research portfolio.

The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 500-mile radius. Its 136 board-certified oncology specialty physicians include cancer surgeons in every specialty (abdominal, thoracic, bone and soft tissue, neurosurgery, genitourinary, gynecology, and head and neck cancers), adult and pediatric hematologists/medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, and radiation oncologists. They, along with more than 600 other cancer healthcare professionals (nurses, pharmacists, nutritionists, navigators, psychologists and social workers), provide treatment to 65% of New Mexico's cancer patients from all across the state. And they partner with community health systems statewide to provide cancer care closer to home. In 2024 they treated more than 15,000 patients in almost 105,000 ambulatory clinic visits in addition to in-patient hospitalizations at UNM Hospital. A total of 2,075 patients participated in cancer clinical trials to study new cancer treatments that include tests of novel cancer prevention strategies and cancer genome sequencing. The more than 123 cancer research scientists affiliated with the UNM Cancer Center were awarded $38.3 million in federal and private grants and contracts for cancer research projects. Since 2015, the physicians, scientists and staff have provided education and training experiences to more than 750 high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral fellowship students in cancer research and cancer health care delivery.

Website: unmhealth.org/cancer

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.

Bachelor's degree; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Advanced Experience & Scientific Leadership:

* Minimum of 5-7+ years of progressive, hands-on clinical or translational research experience (or equivalent combination of education and high-level laboratory experience).

* Proven track record of independently designing, executing, and leading complex research projects from experimental conception through data analysis, manuscript publication, and dissemination.

Domain & Disease Expertise:

* Deep subject matter expertise in gynecologic oncology (specifically endometrial and/or ovarian cancers), therapeutic vulnerabilities, targeted therapies, and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) or cellular models.

* Co-authorship on peer-reviewed scientific publications and presentations at national conferences (e.g., AACR).

Advanced Molecular & High-Throughput Genomics Techniques:

* Extensive proficiency in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), RNA-seq, single-cell library preparation (e.g., 10x Genomics Chromium), qPCR, Western blotting, and high-complexity genetic assays.

* Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting high-end genomics platforms (e.g., 10x Genomics, Ion Torrent S5/PGM, Affymetrix arrays, Agilent Bioanalyzer).

High-Dimensional Data Analysis:

* Demonstrated ability to lead the biological interpretation and integration of high-dimensional datasets (e.g., single-cell RNA-seq, transcriptomics, kinase profiling) to identify mechanisms of therapeutic response and resistance.

Laboratory Management & Supervision:

* Demonstrated experience in day-to-day operations and management of a research laboratory, including personnel onboarding, workflow prioritization, scheduling, and ensuring regulatory/protocol compliance.

* Proven leadership in training, mentoring, and directing graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technical research staff.

Grant Infrastructure, Procurement & Financial Oversight:

* Experience managing operational workflows across multiple complex, federally funded multi-component grants.

* Experience managing laboratory procurement, vendor relations, supply inventory, and resource allocation using core management systems to support multi-million dollar grant portfolios.

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Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.