The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas Cancer Center (an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center), is seeking an Clinician Scientist in immune-effector cell therapy to join the Division of Hematologic Malignancies & Cellular Therapeutics.
We are the region's largest BMT and Cellular Immunotherapy program in Kansas. The candidate will have access to world- class resources including a new cancer center under construction.
This is an opportunity to shape the future of cancer immunotherapy by driving translational research at the interface of discovery, preclinical development, and early-phase clinical trials. The successful candidate will advance next-generation approaches, including CAR-T/NK therapies, engineered macrophages/monocytes, and combination immunotherapies for hematologic and solid tumors.
Responsibilities:
- Establish an innovative and externally funded research program.
- Design, lead and execute translational studies in immune-effector cell therapy (e.g., CAR constructs, BiTEs, armored cells, logic-gated circuits) that enable generation of patentable IEC intellectual property.
- Recruit additional faculty to expand research within the IEC program.
- Design and oversee in vitro functional assays (killing, cytokine profiling, spectral flow, scRNA-seq/CITE-seq) and in vivo preclinical efficacy/toxicity models.
- Collaborate with KUCCs cGMP manufacturing, the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation (IAMI), Clinical Trials Office, Pathology, and Biostatistics to advance First-in-Human, enabling investigational new drug submissions to FDA and lead/participate in IEC early phase clinical trials.
- Develop and validate analytical/quality assays (potency, identity, vector copy number, sterility/mycoplasma, off-target/tropism assessments).
- Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documentation (IACUC/IRB, Biosafety, IND/IDE modules), study protocols, and clinical correlative science plans.
- Mentor trainees (graduate students, residents, postdocs and fellows) as well as junior faculty and coordinate cross-functional project teams.
- Disseminate results via manuscripts, conference abstracts, and grant applications (NIH, LLS, foundations).
Qualifications:
- MD or PhD in Immunology, Hematology/Oncology; Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, or related field
- 2-5 years post-degree research experience in immune-effector cell therapy or closely related area
- Hands-on expertise in cell engineering (viral/non-viral delivery; CRISPR or equivalent), primary T/NK cell culture, and functional immunology assays
- Previous extramural funding: i.e., K award, R21, DOD
- Demonstrated track record of impactful publications and team-based science
Benefits and compensation
- Recent increase in overall compensation package
- Generous retirement contribution
- Relocation assistance
- Health, dental, vision insurance
- CME allowance
- LTD/STD and Life insurance
- Professional liability insurance
For more information contact:
Ann Terry, Physician Recruiter
[email protected]
(816) 419-4523