Department: Cell Cycle & Cancer Biology
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) and its Cell Cycle & Cancer Biology (CCCB) Research Program invite applications and nominations for the position of Professor and Program Chair. This is a senior leadership opportunity for an established scientific leader to build and direct a nationally visible cancer biology program at an institution with exceptional strengths in fundamental discovery, translational research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
About OMRF
Founded in 1946, OMRF is one of the nation's oldest and most respected independent biomedical research institutes. OMRF is a nonprofit, independent research institute dedicated to conducting biomedical research that enables more people to live longer, healthier lives. With an annual budget of about $100 million, more than 50 principal investigators, and a strong record of funding from the National Institutes of Health, technology transfer, and philanthropy, OMRF offers a stable and supportive environment for basic and translational research.
OMRF's research strengths include aging, immunology, autoimmunity, cardiovascular biology, genetics, epigenetics, neurodegeneration, and cell cycle biology. OMRF is located in the Oklahoma Health Center in Oklahoma City, adjacent to the University of Oklahoma Health Campus, the Oklahoma City VA, and the National Cancer Institute-designated Stephenson Cancer Center.
Opportunity and Vision
OMRF seeks a distinguished scientific leader to serve as Program Chair and to expand its cancer biology enterprise, building on the foundation of the existing CCCB Research Program. This program has internationally recognized expertise in chromosome dynamics, DNA repair and replication, genomic instability, transcription, epigenetics, and cell cycle regulation. The next Program Chair will lead the growth of this program into a broad and comprehensive cancer biology program that:
- Advances fundamental understanding of cancer mechanisms and translates those discoveries toward therapeutic applications
- Builds on existing expertise within CCCB while expanding research approaches and model systems
- Expands funding through the NCI and other federal sources
- Builds collaborations across OMRF's research programs
- Establishes meaningful collaborations with clinicians and investigators at the University of Oklahoma and the Stephenson Cancer Center
This role is intended for a leader with the vision, credibility, and experience to shape OMRF's cancer research trajectory for the next decade and beyond, while maintaining scientific rigor and leveraging the program's foundational strengths in the study of underlying mechanisms of cancer.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and grow a cohesive, collaborative, and nationally competitive research program in cancer biology at OMRF that spans mechanistic discovery through translation
- Maintain an internationally recognized and well-funded research program
- Recruit, mentor, and retain senior and junior faculty and trainees
- Lead diversification of funding portfolios, including the addition of multi-investigator and center-level grants
- Enhance national visibility and philanthropic engagement
Required Qualifications and Core Competencies
- A PhD, MD, or MD/PhD in cancer biology or a closely related field
- Demonstrated ability to integrate mechanistic and cancer-focused research, evidenced by a distinguished research portfolio and publications
- A robust history of NCI and other funding supporting cancer biology research
- Demonstrated success in scientific leadership, such as directing a research program, division, department, or center
- Experience recruiting, mentoring, and evaluating faculty and trainees
Preferred Qualifications and Strategic Experience
- Experience in mechanistic cancer biology research-such as DNA replication and repair, genomic instability, chromosome dynamics, cell cycle regulation, transcription, or related fundamental processes-and demonstrated ability to connect these mechanisms to cancer phenotypes such as tumor initiation, progression, therapeutic resistance, or recurrence
- Building scientific bridges between cancer biology and related disciplines such as aging, immune dysregulation, inflammation, genetics and epigenetics, cardiovascular biology, or autoimmunity, especially with relationship to long-term consequences of cancer treatments
- Expanding research into alternative model systems, including organoids, in vivo models, human tissues, or biofluids
- Leading team science initiatives, including program projects, centers, or large collaborative grants
- Advancing intellectual property, technology development, or early-stage biotechnology efforts
- Nurturing philanthropic relationships that support cancer research
Resources and Institutional Commitment
OMRF will make a significant institutional investment in the successful candidate, including:
- A highly competitive start-up package
- Resources to recruit 3-5 additional faculty members in cancer biology during the startup period
- Access to spacious, well-equipped laboratory space with renovations and modernization as needed
- Institutional support for shared scientific equipment and core facility expansion
- Access to OMRF's extensive research infrastructure and technology transfer expertise
- Close partnership with senior OMRF leadership to support long-term program growth and sustainability
About Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is a dynamic and affordable metropolitan area with a growing biomedical and health sciences ecosystem, a high quality of life, a vibrant cultural scene, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following documents:
- A cover letter describing their (1) scientific research program, (2) leadership experience, and (3) plans for expanding and leading a cancer biology program at OMRF
- A curriculum vitae including contact information for three references; these individuals will be contacted for shortlisted candidates
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
