Physician Scientist - Medical Oncology (Lung Cancer/Thoracic Oncology)

Position Summary / Career Interest:

Physician Scientist - Medical Oncology (Lung Cancer/Thoracic Oncology)

The University of Kansas Health System and The University of Kansas Cancer Center are seeking a Physician Scientist specializing in Lung Cancer to join the Division of Medical Oncology and the Thoracic Oncology Program.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) is the only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the region, serving patients across Kansas and western Missouri. Our multidisciplinary thoracic oncology program is dedicated to advancing the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer through innovative research and exceptional patient care.

The selected candidate will benefit from exceptional institutional resources, including a new state-of-the-art cancer center currently under construction to support cutting-edge research and multidisciplinary care. This full-time faculty position offers academic rank commensurate with experience, a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, dedicated research support, and access to institutional core facilities within a highly collaborative campus environment.

This is a unique opportunity to advance lung cancer research by leading translational and clinical investigations focused on understanding disease biology, developing novel therapeutic strategies, identifying predictive biomarkers, and improving outcomes for patients with thoracic malignancies.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish an innovative and externally funded research program focused on thoracic malignancies.
• Develop and lead translational and clinical research initiatives in areas such as tumor biology, molecular profiling, precision oncology, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, resistance mechanisms, and biomarker development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across oncology, pulmonology, pathology, radiology, surgery, and population health sciences.
• Design and conduct investigator-initiated studies and contribute to national cooperative group and industry-sponsored clinical trials.
• Partner with KUCC research cores, the Clinical Trials Office, Biostatistics, Pathology, and translational science programs to accelerate the development of novel diagnostics and therapies.
• Mentor graduate students, residents, clinical fellows, postdoctoral researchers, and junior faculty.
• Publish research findings in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and present discoveries at national and international scientific meetings.
• Pursue extramural funding through NIH, NCI, Department of Defense, foundations, and other funding organizations.
• Participate in the growth and strategic development of the Thoracic Oncology research program.

Required Qualifications

• MD, DO, MD/PhD, or equivalent doctoral degree
• Board certified or board eligible in Medical Oncology
• Demonstrated expertise in thoracic malignancies, cancer biology, translational research, or related areas
• Evidence of scholarly productivity, including peer-reviewed publications
• Strong commitment to multidisciplinary collaboration and academic excellence
• Record of, or strong potential for, obtaining extramural funding

Preferred Qualifications

• Established research program focused on lung cancer biology, precision medicine, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, cancer disparities, screening, or early detection
• Previous extramural funding (e.g., K Award, R21, R01, Department of Defense, VA Merit Award, or foundation funding)
• Experience leading translational, investigator-initiated, or multicenter clinical research studies
• Expertise in biomarker discovery, molecular diagnostics, genomics, proteomics, or computational oncology
• Experience mentoring trainees and developing collaborative research programs
• National or international recognition in thoracic oncology research

Environment & Resources

KUCC offers extensive research infrastructure, including biostatistics and bioinformatics support, advanced genomics and molecular pathology platforms, imaging cores, tissue banking resources, population sciences expertise, clinical trial support services, and collaborative partnerships across the University of Kansas Medical Center campus. Investigator(s) benefit from a highly integrated environment designed to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into improved patient outcomes. In addition. KUCC has a strong phase I / drug development program and rural clinical trial access with MCA.

Benefits and Compensation

• Highly competitive compensation package in the nation
• Comprehensive retirement program
• Relocation assistance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with coverage beginning day one
• CME allowance
• LTD/STD and Life insurance
• Professional liability insurance 

About The University of Kansas Cancer Center

The University of Kansas Cancer Center (KUCC) is the region's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, serving patients throughout Kansas and western Missouri. Through its commitment to research, education, and patient care, KUCC is advancing innovative approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

The Thoracic Oncology Program provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Program faculty are actively engaged in basic, translational, clinical, and population-based research, with a growing portfolio of investigator-initiated and cooperative group clinical trials. The program's collaborative environment fosters scientific discovery and the rapid translation of research findings into meaningful advances in patient care.

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 and Kansas City Mavericks. Visit www.thinkkc.com for more information about Kansas City.  

For more information contact:

Darci Deskin, Senior Physician Recruiter

DDeskin@kumc.edu

(913) 951-7748 cell

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.