POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLAR

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLAR

A postdoctoral research associate position is available in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Iowa. The successful candidate will participate in research projects focused on exploiting fundamental differences in cancer versus normal tissue redox metabolism for improving tumor responses to radio-chemotherapy while protecting normal tissue.

The ideal candidate will have (or be soon completing) a doctoral degree in cancer biology or free radical and radiation biology focusing on lung cancer research, the molecular biology of NRF2 as it pertains to lung cancer responses to therapy, the use of pharmacological ascorbate and auranofin in combined modality lung cancer therapy involving radiation, antioxidant/redox metabolism in lung cancer, and FLASH ultrahigh dose radiotherapy. The candidate must be highly motivated with evidence of productivity from peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations. Candidates skilled in redox biology assays, cloning and vector production, flow cytometry, FLASH radiation, metabolomics, RNA sequencing, CRISPR techniques, in vivo studies, and particle drug delivery and are strongly encouraged to apply. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are desirable.

The successful candidate will be joining a team of cancer biologists, radiation chemists and radiation biologists and will contribute to the ongoing work in exploiting fundamental differences in cancer versus normal tissue redox metabolism for improving tumor responses to radio-chemotherapy while protecting normal tissue. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technologies in the Radiation and Free Radical Research Core (RFRRC) which include the FLEX-9 FLASH linear accelerator and small animal radiation research platform (SARRP).

The initial appointment for this position is for one year, with the potential for extension for a total appointment of up to 4 years based on interest, performance, and career goals. This position is available on or around mid-December 2026. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by sending their CV with cover letter stating their current and future research interests, previous research experience and expected availability date to Dr. Douglas Spitz (douglas-spitz@uiowa.edu).

Salary is based on years of experience after obtaining the Ph.D. degree and is determined by the Graduate College (https://grad.uiowa.edu/postdocs/salary). Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.

Education Requirements:

• Completion of Ph.D. in cancer biology, free radical and radiation biology, or molecular medicine focused on cancer therapy.

Required Qualifications:

• Evidence of productivity from peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with using redox biology biochemical assays in lung cancer research, cloning and vector production, flow cytometry, FLASH radiation, metabolomics, RNA sequencing, CRISPR techniques, in vivo studies of radiation in a therapy context, and particle drug delivery.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Strong motivation to pursue independent careers in academia with a focus on biomedical redox biology in cancer research.

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

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