Description

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2831P

Working Title

Associate Research Scientist in Cancer Therapeutics and Chemical Biology

Department

Franklin-Chemistry

About the University of Georgia

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

About the College/Unit/Department

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences is the heart of UGA's learning environment, advancing knowledge, research, and creative activity across more than 40 departments, schools, and institutes. With a vision for high-impact research and education, Franklin College prepares students for leadership and global engagement in a sustainable future. The Department of Chemistry and Franklin College have a strong commitment to multidisciplinary research, collaboration and academic innovation.

College/Unit/Department website

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

Anticipated Start Date

11/15/2026

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

10/05/2026

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications received by November 4, 2026, will receive full consideration; review will begin on that date and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include a cover letter describing relevant qualifications and research interests, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation may be requested later in the search process. For questions about the position, contact Dr. Jin Xie at jinxie@uga.edu.

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Researcher AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Associate Research Scientist

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in cancer biology, immunology, pharmacology, chemical biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field by the time of appointment.

Position Summary

The Department of Chemistry in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Associate Research Scientist. This is a 12-month appointment in Athens, Georgia, with an anticipated start date in November 2026. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Jin Xie and collaborating investigators to advance cancer therapeutic development, immunotherapy, and translational chemical biology.

The successful candidate will lead the preclinical evaluation of new cancer therapeutics and combination strategies designed to enhance antitumor immunity. Responsibilities include designing and conducting in vitro, three-dimensional tumor organoid, and in vivo studies; evaluating therapeutic mechanisms, efficacy, dosing, pharmacodynamic responses, and treatment resistance; and applying appropriate xenograft, orthotopic, metastatic, syngeneic, and patient-derived xenograft models. The position will provide scientific leadership for research supported by two NIH grants and one Department of Defense grant, including experimental planning, data analysis and interpretation, troubleshooting, manuscript preparation, grant-related reporting, and coordination of research milestones.

The appointee will contribute to the Department's broader chemical biology program by connecting chemical and nanomaterial innovation with mechanistic biology and therapeutic evaluation. Responsibilities also include developing collaborative projects with investigators at UGA , Emory University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; generating preliminary data and preparing competitive grant applications; and serving as principal investigator, co-investigator, or other key personnel, as appropriate. The successful candidate will mentor graduate students and other trainees in cancer biology, tumor immunology, organoid and animal models, molecular imaging, and quantitative assessment of therapeutic response while ensuring compliance with institutional research and animal-use requirements.

Additional Requirements

Applicants must possess qualifications appropriate for appointment at the Associate Research Scientist rank. For more information about rank requirements, please see the UGA Guidelines for the Appointment and Promotion of Research Scientists: https://research.uga.edu/docs/policies/research/Research-Scientist-Appointment-Promotion.pdf.

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to independently design, execute, and interpret mechanistic and preclinical cancer studies; proficiency in conducting in vitro cancer assays and in vivo tumor-model studies; a record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant research areas; scientific leadership in externally funded research; and trainee mentoring.

Competitive applicants will demonstrate expertise in cancer immunotherapy, tumor organoid culture, and advanced mouse tumor models; the ability to integrate molecular imaging and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic approaches into therapeutic evaluation; and a record of contributions to successful grant proposals and interdisciplinary research. Expertise in immune profiling, immune-checkpoint therapy, and targeted or nanoparticle-based cancer therapeutics is preferred. Strong scientific writing, quantitative analysis, project coordination, and communication skills are essential.

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties/Responsibilities

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents