Postdoctoral Research Associate - Oncology

Position Summary The Global Oncology Initiative (GOI) within the Division of Oncology at WashU Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to support implementation and clinical research activities across a portfolio of global oncology projects in East Africa. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with Dr. Thomas Odeny and multidisciplinary collaborators on projects focused on cancer care delivery, implementation science, and HIV‑associated malignancies. Primary projects include: PAMOJA Ignite: A WashU‑funded study examining patient navigation and human‑centered design approaches in cancer care in Kenya. The fellow will support study coordination, data analysis, and dissemination. PRIME‑KS (NIH U01): A multi‑site implementation science study evaluating precision imaging tools for Kaposi sarcoma in East Africa. The fellow will contribute to data analysis, manuscript development, and study activities across Kenya and Uganda sites. Other selected projects: The associate will also work directly with the PI on data analysis and manuscript development on additional projects. This position is designed for an early‑career investigator interested in global oncology, implementation science, clinical research operations, and international collaborative research. The postdoctoral researcher will receive mentorship and training in study coordination, IRB and regulatory processes, grants management, scientific writing, implementation research methods, and cross‑site project management. The fellow will collaborate closely with research teams and institutional partners in Kenya and Uganda and gain hands‑on experience managing international research coordination across diverse clinical and regulatory environments. The position offers opportunities for scholarly development, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, grant writing, and leadership within a collaborative global health research environment. By the end of the appointment, the fellow is expected to: Develop and submit at least one independent grant application. Lead or co‑lead a minimum of two peer‑reviewed publications as first or second author. Achieve proficiency in global oncology research methods, including embedding implementation science frameworks within cancer clinical trials. Develop competency in mentoring junior researchers, including Kenyan trainees. There may also be opportunities to participate in additional structured training programs, including the HIGH‑IRI Cancer Cohort, depending on the fellow’s interests and project needs. Primary Duties & Responsibilities Under the supervision of faculty mentors, the postdoctoral researcher will: Coordinate implementation and research activities across multiple global oncology projects, including PRIME‑KS, PAMOJA IGNITE and other studies. Serve as a study coordinator for ongoing clinical and implementation science research activities, tracking study milestones, timelines, documentation, and deliverables. Participate in IRB submissions, regulatory documentation, protocol development, data‑sharing processes, and study compliance activities. Contribute to the coordination of international research activities, meetings, trainings, and partner engagement efforts. Support qualitative and quantitative research activities, including data collection coordination, monitoring study progress, and contributing to analysis and interpretation of findings. Design research experiments. Lead and contribute to manuscript development, scientific presentations, progress reports, and grant applications. Develop expertise in implementation science, global oncology research, and clinical research operations within international collaborative settings. Develop proficiency in career skills, including writing, public speaking, networking, and critical evaluation of scientific literature. Present scientific work internally and externally through meetings, conferences, and seminars. Maintain accurate research documentation and ensure adherence to institutional, ethical, and regulatory standards. Engage in professional development activities related to research leadership, scientific communication, grantsmanship, and academic career development. Foster collaborative and respectful working relationships with investigators, trainees, staff, and international partners. Adhere to all applicable University policies, procedures, and research compliance requirements. Working Conditions This position works in a laboratory environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards. The individual must be physically able to wear protective equipment and to provide standard care to research animals. Required Qualifications Education: Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent terminal or doctoral degree. Certifications/Professional Licenses: None required. Work Experience: None required. Skills: Not applicable. Driver’s License: Not required. Preferred Qualifications Doctoral degree (Ph.D., MD, DrPH, or equivalent) in a relevant field, completed by start date. Strong organizational and project coordination skills. Strong scientific writing skills. Proficiency in statistical analysis and epidemiological methods. Genuine interest in cancer care and global health. Familiarity with implementation science principles. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary and cross‑cultural teams. Prior research or work experience in Africa. Experience with mixed‑methods research. Familiarity with NIH grant mechanisms and the research administration landscape. Experience supporting clinical or implementation science research studies. Familiarity with IRB/regulatory processes and research compliance activities. EEO Statement Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship (where prohibited by federal law), age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Washington University