Researcher 2 - Comprehensive Cancer Center

The Researcher 2 supports the Immune Monitoring & Discovery Platform (IMDP) at the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO), with primary effort dedicated to the Immuno-Oncology Network (ION) biobanking and clinical-research operations. The incumbent manages and optimizes biospecimen lifecycle workflows, coordinates with clinical research partners across the OSUCCC, and contributes to space/equipment operations for PIIO research. This position blends research operations, compliance, biorepository management, and stakeholder coordination to enable high-quality translational studies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Immuno-Oncology Network (ION)

• Manage daily ION operations in accordance with NCI/NCTN best practices, including SOP development, biospecimen procurement, banking, characterization, and clinical annotation. Optimize workflows and ensure quality and compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations (IRB, IBC, HIPAA, biosafety).
• Coordinate ION activities with the OSUCCC Clinical Trials Office, Biospecimen Shared Resource (TCC), and Clinical Trial Processing Laboratory (CTPL) to ensure seamless sample processing and data integration.
• Maintain and improve the ION sample inventory database and biorepository systems, ensuring accurate cradle-to-grave tracking, chain-of-custody, and environmental monitoring.
• Assist the IMDP Director with budgeting, financial tracking, annual reports, and grant proposal preparation.
• Serve as liaison to internal and external investigators, ensuring effective communication, timely response to specimen requests, and adherence to established policies and MTAs.

PIIO Research Space Management

• Support onboarding of new PIIO faculty, staff, and trainees; manage guest accounts, lab relocations, and introductions to OSU compliance programs (IBC, IACUC, EHS).
• Oversee shared equipment operations, including installation, warranty tracking, preventive maintenance, and service contract management.
• Assist with grant and meeting preparation, including facility documentation, agendas, and materials for donor and partner visits.
• Contribute to operational planning and implementation to support PIIO research space efficiency, safety, and collaboration.

Career Roadmap Framework:

Function: Research and Scholarship
Subfunction: Research
Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized
Level: S2 Experienced

Minimum Qualifications

Masters Degree or equivalent experience required; 3 years of relevant experience required with a Bachelors Degree, or 1 year of relevant experience required with a Masters Degree.

Required Qualifications

• Experience applying biological/health science knowledge in a research or clinical research setting.
• Demonstrated experience with biospecimen handling, chain-of-custody, and biobanking best practices.
• Familiarity with research compliance (IRB/IBC/IACUC), data privacy, and biosafety requirements.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written communication skills; ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with inventory or data systems (e.g., LIMS, REDCap, OnCore, or similar) and standard office software.
• Familiarity with electronic medical record system such as Epic and related system

Desired/Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in academic or clinical research operations, biobanking, or shared-resource/core facilities.
• Supervisory experience (technicians or student staff) and basic HR process familiarity within a large institution.
• Experience coordinating with clinical trials units, biospecimen cores, or processing laboratories.
• Experience with quality systems (SOPs, CAP/CLIA exposure, audit readiness) and continuous process improvement.
• Working knowledge of material transfer agreements and data/specimen governance policies.

About Us

The OSUCCC James is the only cancer program in the U.S. that integrates a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, a nationally ranked academic medical center, and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nations largest public universities.

The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) is a comprehensive bench-to-bedside research initiative dedicated to harnessing the immune system to prevent, treat, and ultimately cure cancer.