Research Scientist

The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center James is a leading research institute dedicated to advancing next-generation cancer immunotherapies. The Li Lab, directed by Dr. Zihai Li, investigates molecular mechanisms that govern immune evasion with a particular emphasis on GARP signaling, TGF biology, and immune checkpoint regulation. The group develops first-in-class therapeutic platformsincluding GARP-targeted antibodies and CAR-based therapiesfocused on solid tumors.

The Research Scientist will provide high-level scientific leadership, conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute scholarly output of material significance, and support the labs translational pipeline. The role requires demonstrated experience beyond the postdoctoral level, including a strong publication record, presentations to scientific societies, and / or substantive contributions to novel techniques or discoveries.

Key Responsibilities

Research amp; Experimental Leadership

• Lead innovative mechanistic studies defining the molecular, biochemical, and structural basis of immune signaling pathways (e.g., the GARPTGF axis, -arrestinmediated signaling, tumor immunoregulation).
• Independently design, execute, and interpret high-impact experiments using biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and structural approaches (e.g., cryo-EM, crystallography, protein engineering).
• Develop new techniques, assays, and research platforms of material scientific significance consistent with Research Scientist expectations.
• Partner with PIIOs Immune Monitoring amp; Discovery Platform (IMDP) to integrate structural, phenotypic, and -omics datasets into mechanistic discovery and therapeutic evaluation.

Scholarly amp; Translational Contributions

Laboratory Leadership, Mentorship amp; Oversight

Qualifications

Required

Preferred

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit :

A cover letter summarizing research interests and career goals. Curriculum vitae with a complete list of publications. Contact information for three professional references.

The OSUCCCJames is the only cancer program in the United States that combines an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center , a freestanding cancer hospital , and a nationally ranked academic medical center on the campus of one of the nations largest public universities. Founded in 2019, the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) unites over 250 investigators across OSU and the James in a shared mission to harness the immune system to defeat canceradvancing discoveries from molecule to medicine, from bench to bedside, and from Ohio to the world.