Distinguished Staff Scientist (Cancer Biology and Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Development and Advanc

Requisition Id 16886

Overview:

Join Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), in collaboration with the University of Tennessee (UT) Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (ORII) Convergent Research Initiative, as we advance radiopharmaceutical therapies. The position will be with the Isotope Applications Research Group (IARG) within the Radioisotope Science and Technology Division. We seek a Distinguished staff scientist with expertise in cancer cell biology and radiobiology to strengthen preclinical therapeutic evaluation, connect tumor biology with radiopharmaceutical development, and support translation of promising approaches toward clinical application.

Research:The research will focus on advancing radiopharmaceutical therapy, with emphasis on tumor biology and preclinical radiobiology. Areas of interest include:

• Mechanistic studies of tumor response to radiation and targeted therapeutics, including DNA damage response, cell-cycle regulation, signaling, resistance, and radiosensitization.
• Development and use of mammalian cancer model systems, including 2D and advanced in vitro approaches, to evaluate therapeutic response in relevant tumor contexts.
• Evaluation of radiopharmaceutical constructs and targeted delivery platforms that support improved tumor targeting, therapeutic efficacy, and safety.
• Quantitative cellular and molecular assays to assess uptake, viability, cytotoxicity, DNA damage, proliferation, biomarker expression, and off-target effects.
• Integration of cancer biology with radiochemistry, isotope science, dosimetry, imaging, data analysis, and clinical collaborations to support translation.
  
  

IARG is a multidisciplinary team dedicated to advancing the production, exploration of fundamental properties, and practical applications of radioisotopes produced at ORNL. Comprised of experts ranging from nuclear engineers and radiochemists to organic chemists and cell biologists, IARG pushes the boundaries of technology in the production, isolation, and characterization of radionuclides. Their work not only enhances our understanding of these isotopes but also explores their current and potential future applications, which include innovations in nuclear battery development, cutting-edge research in next-generation nuclear reactors, and the advancement of targeted alpha therapy in cancer treatment.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborate with researchers across ORNL, UT, and external partners in cancer biology, radiochemistry, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, medical physics, and clinical oncology.
• Innovative Research: Conduct research in tumor biology, radiobiology, and therapeutic evaluation to improve targeting, efficacy, and understanding of therapeutic response.
• Translation and Clinical Integration: Work with university and clinical partners to help move promising radiopharmaceutical and combination therapy concepts from preclinical studies toward clinical applications.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising: Seek external funding opportunities and assist in securing research grants, contracts, and philanthropic support to sustain and expand research activities.
• Publication and Dissemination: Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, present at scientific conferences, and engage in outreach activities that enhance the visibility of ORNL, UT, and ORII.
• Mentorship and Training: Assist in mentoring graduate students and interns, offering guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to cultivate a skilled research team.
  
  

Basic Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent degree in cancer biology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical engineering, radiobiology, radiation oncology, or a related field, with 10 years of relevant experience within the field.
• Expertise in cancer biology and one or more related areas such as radiobiology, molecular oncology, therapeutic response assays, molecular imaging, targeted delivery, or radiopharmaceutical therapy.
• Strong record of research accomplishments evidenced by publications, presentations, technical contributions, or other impactful work in a relevant field.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of conveying complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with advanced cancer model systems and quantitative cellular or molecular assays used to evaluate therapeutic response, mechanism of action, or radiosensitization.
• Familiarity with radionuclide or radiopharmaceutical therapy research, targeted delivery or nanomedicine approaches, dosimetry-informed studies, combination therapy strategies, or interdisciplinary translational oncology teams.
  
  

This position is a regular full-time staff appointment. Initial placement will be commensurate with experience, education, and relevant skills. Continued employment is subject to performance and availability of funding.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain an HSPD-12 PIV badge.For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.
• To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
• This position requires access to technology that is subject to export control requirements. Successful candidates must be qualified for such access without an export control license.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
  
  

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.