The University of Kansas Health System, Kansas Cancer Center (an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center), is seeking an Clinician Scientist in immune-effector cell therapy to join the Division of Hematologic Malignancies & Cellular Therapeutics.

We are the region's largest BMT and Cellular Immunotherapy program in Kansas. The candidate will have access to world- class resources including a new cancer center under construction.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of cancer immunotherapy by driving translational research at the interface of discovery, preclinical development, and early-phase clinical trials. The successful candidate will advance next-generation approaches, including CAR-T/NK therapies, engineered macrophages/monocytes, and combination immunotherapies for hematologic and solid tumors.

Responsibilities:

• Establish an innovative and externally funded research program.
• Design, lead and execute translational studies in immune-effector cell therapy (e.g., CAR constructs, BiTEs, “armored” cells, logic-gated circuits) that enable generation of patentable IEC intellectual property.
• Recruit additional faculty to expand research within the IEC program.
• Design and oversee in vitro functional assays (killing, cytokine profiling, spectral flow, scRNA-seq/CITE-seq) and in vivo preclinical efficacy/toxicity models.
• Collaborate with KUCC’s cGMP manufacturing, the Institute for Advancing Medical Innovation (IAMI), Clinical Trials Office, Pathology, and Biostatistics to advance First-in-Human, enabling investigational new drug submissions to FDA and lead/participate in IEC early phase clinical trials.
• Develop and validate analytical/quality assays (potency, identity, vector copy number, sterility/mycoplasma, off-target/tropism assessments).
• Contribute to the preparation of regulatory documentation (IACUC/IRB, Biosafety, IND/IDE modules), study protocols, and clinical correlative science plans.
• Mentor trainees (graduate students, residents, postdocs and fellows) as well as junior faculty and coordinate cross-functional project teams.
• Disseminate results via manuscripts, conference abstracts, and grant applications (NIH, LLS, foundations).

Qualifications:

• MD or PhD in Immunology, Hematology/Oncology; Cancer Biology, Bioengineering, or related field
• 2–5 years post-degree research experience in immune-effector cell therapy or closely related area
• Hands-on expertise in cell engineering (viral/non-viral delivery; CRISPR or equivalent), primary T/NK cell culture, and functional immunology assays
• Previous extramural funding: i.e., K award, R21, DOD
• Demonstrated track record of impactful publications and team-based science

Benefits and compensation

• Recent increase in overall compensation package
• Generous retirement contribution
• Relocation assistance
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• CME allowance
• LTD/STD and Life insurance
• Professional liability insurance 

About The University of Kansas Hospital:

Recognized as one of the top hospitals in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, The University of Kansas Hospital is a 1045-bed academic medical center and Level 1 trauma center, with a mission to lead in the discovery of new knowledge, deliver outstanding patient care in this region and beyond, and educate the healthcare professionals of tomorrow. The Health System, consistently earning national recognition for outstanding quality and safety in several medical specialties, is known for its Center for Advanced Heart Care, Center for Transplantation, Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, and NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Magnet designation is proof of our hard-earned commitment to nursing excellence.  

About Kansas City:

A metropolitan area of 2.3 million people, Kansas City offers the diversity and excitement of a large city with the charm and convenience of Midwest living. Walkable, tree-lined neighborhoods surround the campus, which is within close proximity to the city's top destinations, including the Kauffman Center of Performing Arts, Union Station & Science City, National WWI Museum, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, as well as the Country Club Plaza, a shopping district celebrated for its architectural design. 

Overall, the Kansas City metropolitan area is a diverse and dynamic region with a rich cultural heritage, a strong economy, a vibrant downtown area, and a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities. It offers a high quality of life for its residents and attracts visitors from around the region and beyond. Residents enjoy safe, suburban neighborhoods, great restaurants and shopping, miles of bike paths, parks and lakes, excellent schools (public, private, and universities for higher education).  

The University of Kansas Health System is the official healthcare provider for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, KC Current and T-Mobile Center. Kansas City is also home to Sporting KC, Kansas City Mavericks, and we will be hosting the World Cup! Visit www.thinkkc.com for more information about Kansas City.  

For more information contact:

Ann Terry, Physician Recruiter

ATerry2@kumc.edu

(816) 419-4523

We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.