Assistant Professor - Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation

Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation

The Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota Medical School is seeking a non-tenure-track Assistant Professor on the Research Track with expertise in translational cancer research, extracellular vesicle biology, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, liquid biopsy, and biomarker development.

Position Responsibilities

Translational Research (70%)

• Develop and lead an innovative translational research program centered on extracellular vesicles, circulating biomarkers, cancer proteomics, and precision oncology.
• Identify and validate blood-based biomarkers associated with cancer progression, treatment response, therapeutic resistance, and clinical outcomes, using clinically annotated patient specimens.
• Develop, optimize, and benchmark extracellular vesicle enrichment and isolation strategies suitable for large clinical cohorts, and apply them to proteomic and multiomic characterization of cancer.
• Apply discovery and targeted mass spectrometry, including high-resolution data-independent acquisition and post-translational modification analysis (e.g., phosphoproteomics, glycoproteomics), to characterize circulating and vesicle-associated proteins with potential clinical utility.
• Integrate proteomic findings with genomic, transcriptomic, imaging, and clinical data to define clinically relevant cancer phenotypes, including through survival and outcome analyses.
• Investigate mechanisms of treatment sensitivity and resistance relevant to systemic, targeted, radiopharmaceutical, and immune-directed therapies.
• Examine interactions between tumor-derived extracellular vesicles, immune populations, and the tumor microenvironment, including vesicle-associated immune checkpoint and glyco checkpoint ligands.
• Develop and analytically evaluate biomarker assays to support patient stratification, treatment selection, disease monitoring, and therapeutic development.
• Conduct preclinical and translational studies using cancer cell models, molecular perturbation approaches, and patient-derived material to establish the biological relevance of candidate biomarkers.
• Pursue new experimental avenues advancing liquid biopsy and proteomic technologies in hematologic malignancies.
• Collaborate with faculty in the Division, the Masonic Cancer Center, and across the University on multidisciplinary translational programs, and contribute expertise to correlative studies embedded in investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials.

Extramural Funding and Scholarly Dissemination (15%)

• Develop an increasingly independent, externally funded research program consistent with Research Track expectations, including preparation and submission of competitive grant applications.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, scientific presentations, and participation in national and international meetings.

Mentoring and Training (10%)

• Supervise and mentor research personnel.
• Contribute to the training of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical trainees, and other postgraduate researchers in translational oncology, proteomics, extracellular vesicle biology, and biomarker research.

Service (5%)

• Participate in Division, Department, and Masonic Cancer Center activities, committees, and research meetings as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must have:

* A doctoral degree such as an MD, PhD, MD/PhD, or equivalent degree in medicine or a relevant biomedical or scientific discipline.

* Successful completion of postdoctoral research training.

* Relevant research experience in laboratory-based preclinical and translational cancer research.

* Demonstrated expertise in extracellular vesicle biology, liquid biopsy, cancer proteomics, and biomarker development, supported by a record of peer-reviewed publications.

* Strong working knowledge of mass spectrometry-based proteomic workflows, including sample preparation, data-independent acquisition, spectral library generation, and quantitative downstream analysis.

* Experience working with clinically annotated biospecimens and integrating laboratory findings with clinical outcomes.

* Experience conducting studies investigating mechanisms of cancer progression, therapeutic response, or treatment resistance.

* Experience supervising research personnel and contributing to the training and development of students or other research trainees.

* Demonstrated ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and collaborative research environments, including partnerships with clinical investigators, biostatisticians, and industry collaborators.

* Ability to obtain and maintain appropriate authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with:

* Experience applying extracellular vesicle proteomics to large annotated clinical cohorts with linked treatment and outcome data.

* Experience with post-translational modification analysis, including phosphoproteomics, in low input clinical biospecimens.

* Experience developing and analytically validating blood based biomarker assays intended for potential clinical implementation, including diagnostic, prognostic, treatment selection, and monitoring applications.

* Expertise in integrating proteomic data with genomic, transcriptomic, imaging, or clinical datasets.

* Experience investigating therapeutic resistance and treatment response in prostate cancer or other advanced solid tumors, particularly in the setting of radiopharmaceutical therapy or other systemic cancer treatments.

* A strong record of collaborative research involving clinical investigators, basic scientists, and multidisciplinary cancer research teams.

* Evidence of developing research independence, including participation in externally funded research and competitive grant applications such as The American Cancer Society, Department of Defense, The Prostate Cancer Foundation, or National Institutes of Health mechanisms.

* Experience translating laboratory discoveries toward prospective clinical investigation, biomarker driven trials, or therapeutic development.

Pay Range: $90,000-$115,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.

About the U of M Medical School:

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery.

The mission of the regional campus located in Duluth is to be a national leader in improving healthcare access and outcomes in rural Minnesota and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. In partnership with CentraCare, the regional campus in St. Cloud offers a wide range of patient experiences throughout students' education in Greater Minnesota and prepares them to become exceptional clinicians and leaders for rural and immigrant populations.

Founded in 1888, the University of Minnesota Medical School has three campuses. A four-year MD program and the MD/PhD program are located on the Twin Cities campus in addition to MD programs at regional campuses in Duluth and St. Cloud.