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

• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals and present at national/international scientific conferences.
• Contribute to grant applications, patent filings, and other scholarly activities essential to PIIOs translational mission.
• Support external funding efforts; participate in collaborations with academic, biotech, and pharma partners.
• Advance PIIO initiatives in cell therapy, immunogenomics, structural immunology, and AI-enabled translational discovery.

Laboratory Leadership, Mentorship amp; Oversight

• Mentor postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and research staff; provide scientific guidance and foster a collaborative, rigorous research environment.
• Ensure responsible research conduct, robust documentation, and reproducibility across projects.
• Assist with laboratory operations, shared equipment management, and coordination of collaborative programs across PIIO centers.
• Contribute to developing and sustaining a safe, inclusive, and innovative research environment.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctoral degree (PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent terminal degree) in Immunology, Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Molecular/Cellular Biology, or related field.
• Prior research experience beyond the postdoctoral level, demonstrating productivity consistent with OSU Research Scientist criteria.
• Evidence of independent scientific contributions through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and/or development of significant research techniques or tools.
• Strong expertise in immunology, molecular mechanisms, signaling biology, or related mechanistic areas.
• Experience with structural or protein-based mechanistic methodologies (e.g., cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, biophysical assays).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and communicate effectively.

Preferred

• Experience in cancer immunology, immuno-oncology, or therapeutic discovery.
• Prior mentorship or supervision of trainees or research staff.
• Familiarity with computational or structural modeling tools.
• Experience writing or supporting competitive grant proposals.

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.