Description

Basic & Translational Research Physician-Scientist

Department of Radiation Oncology

Washington University School of Medicine | Siteman Cancer Center

The Opportunity: Define the Next Frontier of Radiobiology.

The Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis (WUSM) is seeking an exceptional Physician-Scientist to join our faculty in a premier research-track appointment with protected time for research. We are looking for a visionary investigator to build and lead a high-impact, wet-laboratory program focused on the fundamental biological mechanisms of cancer and its response to radiation.

In this role, you will be given the institutional backing necessary to pursue ground-breaking discoveries at the intersection of laboratory science and clinical care. Whether your passion lies in DNA damage response, the tumor immunology, systemic effects, or precision medicine, WUSM provides the ideal ecosystem to translate your findings into the treatments of tomorrow.

The Environment: A Powerhouse of Scientific Discovery

As the second highest-funded research institution in the United States, Washington University provides an unrivaled infrastructure for physician-scientists:

• The Siteman Cancer Center: As an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with Exceptional status, Siteman provides access to a large patient volume and a sophisticated Clinical Trials Office to support your translational efforts.
• World-Class Core Facilities: Immediate access to a wide range of core services (e.g. Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics, Biostatistics), advanced optical and electron microscopy, and high-performance computing.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Join a vibrant community of PIs across the School of Medicine, the Department of Biology, and the McKelvey School of Engineering, fostering a "science without borders" approach to cancer research.
• Institutional Support: We are committed to the success of our physician-scientists, offering competitive start-up packages, dedicated laboratory space, and a culture that prioritizes our research mission.

The Mission: Clinical Practice Rooted in Science

While your primary focus is to research, your clinical role will be designed to complement your scientific expertise. We offer the flexibility to align your clinical practice with your research interests or a specific disease sub-specialty (e.g., CNS, Thoracic, GI, or Breast oncology). You will join a faculty that is redefining radiation oncology with active research into immune response activation, ultra-hypofractionation, Theranostics, online adaptive therapy, MRI-guidance, proton therapy, and more to provide you with an incredibly robust clinical infrastructure through which to translate your laboratory work.

Qualifications:

• Educational Background: MD or MD/PhD with Board Certification (or eligibility) in Radiation Oncology.
• Research Excellence: A distinguished record of basic or translational research as evidenced by high-impact publications and a clear, innovative scientific trajectory.
• Funding Potential: Candidates should already possess, or demonstrate the ability to secure, R01 extramural funding. We highly value applicants with a demonstrated history of impactful research, independent thinking, and scientific leadership.
• Sub-Specialty Flexibility: We are open to candidates with a special interest in any oncologic sub-specialty.
• Mentorship & Leadership: A commitment to the educational mission of the department, including the training of post-doctoral fellows, residents, and graduate students.

Why WUSM?

WUSM offers a generous benefits package, including premier health and wellness programs, and a comprehensive tuition assistance benefit that includes an extraordinary 100% undergraduate tuition for dependent children accepted to WashU, and generous financial support for children attending other accredited universities. In addition, prior full-time service at other accredited universities may count toward your eligibility.

We are the market leader not just in volume, but also in the quality of our faculty and staff, our APEx-accredited facilities, our technology, and our culture of inclusion that serves as the foundation for our success. We recognize that by bringing together people from varying backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise, we develop richer solutions to complex scientific challenges, train more culturally sensitive clinicians, and provide healthcare in a way that best serves our diverse patient population and our world at large.

Why St. Louis?

St. Louis offers a premium quality of life with a surprisingly low cost of living. Whether you are drawn to beautiful natural resources like Forest Park, cultural treasures like the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, or a deep-rooted sports culture that spans from grassroots favorites to the legendary Cardinals, there is something here for everyone. St. Louis boasts a rich musical heritage grounded in the Blues, an acclaimed culinary scene featuring the historic flavors of The Hill, and access to top-tier school districts such as Ladue and Clayton. From upscale urban lofts to historic family estates, St. Louis provides an incredible environment for an enriching, fulfilling, and balanced life.