Post Doctoral Scholar (osu)

The Post Doctoral Scholar will pursue specialized research training and experience under the guidance of Dr. Zihai Li M.D., Ph.D. the founding director of the Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology (PIIO) within the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Ohio State University.

Dr. Zihai Li seeks multiple Post Doctoral Scholars to join his research team which focuses on chaperone biology, immune tolerance, and cancer immunology. The Li lab currently focuses on improving existing immuno-therapeutics and developing novel treatment strategies by understanding how the immune system influences cancer progression and the tumor microenvironment (https://go.osu.edu/zihai).  

Supported by multiple grants from the NIH and private foundations, active projects include: elucidating the immune-mediated mechanisms behind sex biases in cancer; developing TGFβ-targeted therapies for cancer using anti-GARP monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T, and CAR-NK cells; studying the roles of mitochondrial metabolism in mediating response to radiation and immunotherapy to overcome resistance to PD-1 immune checkpoint blockers; uncovering immunoregulatory roles of platelets and other understudied myeloid cells in immune evasion; and understanding the fundamental mechanisms of differentiation program of regulatory T cells and CD8+ T cells in cancer, among others. Candidates are encouraged to pursue independent interests within the general framework of immuno-oncology, under the mentorship of Dr. Li. Members of the Li lab research team have opportunities for collaborations within the areas of emphasis in the PIIO Centers for Research Excellence including, Cell Therapy, Immuno-Genomics, Systems Immuno-Oncology and Translation Immuno-Oncology.  

Key Responsibilities:

The Li lab plays a key role in supporting the PIIO Immune Monitoring & Discovery Platform (IMDP), which operates as a technological hub for innovative immunology research. The platform’s mission is to combine state-of-the-art instrumentation, high levels of expertise, and exceptional customer service to create an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and productivity. The IMDP delivers high-content spectral flow cytometry and cell sorting, mass cytometry, high-dimensional multiplexed tissue imaging, and single-cell proteomics and genomics services, as well as a robust immuno-informatics for deep data analysis (

Minimum Education Required:

• Recent Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M., or equivalent post-graduate education in biomedical research

• Demonstrable record of original discovery research by peer-reviewed publications

Required Qualifications:

• Immunology background desired but not required  

• Requires successful completion of a background check

• Qualified candidates may be asked to complete a pre-employment physical including a drug screen

To Apply: 

In addition to completing an online application, interested candidates should send a single PDF with a cover letter, CV or NIH-style biosketch, and names of three references directly to Dr. Li at zihai.li@osumc.edu or contact via Twitter at @Zihai. 

About Us: 

The PIIO (https://go.osu.edu/aboutPIIO) is a comprehensive bench-to-bedside research initiative focused on harnessing the body’s immune system to fight cancer at all levels — from prevention to treatment and survivorship. Led by Founding Director Zihai Li, M.D., Ph.D. with more than 100 investigators, the overall ambition of the PIIO is to be a leader in driving immuno-oncology (IO) breakthroughs in systems immuno-oncology, immunogenomics, cell therapy, and translational immuno-oncology.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. 

The Ohio State University is a dynamic community of diverse resources, where opportunity thrives and where individuals transform themselves and the world. The Ohio State University is one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive public universities and a top employer in Ohio.

·        As one of only 50 designated comprehensive cancer centers in the nation, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute is dedicated to the creation of knowledge in laboratory, clinical and population-based cancer research. We apply those discoveries to develop more effective approaches to cancer prevention, diagnosis, and therapies – providing tomorrow’s standard of care today.  A Cancer-Free World Begins Here. 

·        The OSUCCC – James is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic medical center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities. is the only cancer program in the United States that features a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center aligned with a nationally ranked academic medical center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities.

Columbus, Ohio is the state capitol and the 14th largest city in the United States. Columbus is a friendly Midwestern town with a metropolitan style. It has been dubbed one of the top ten best cities to live in by Money Magazine. With an open-minded approach to life, business, and ideas, Columbus has cultivated a unique environment of thriving communities, companies, institutions, and entertainment. It is a great place to live and has one of the strongest economies in the United States, with easy commutes and a low cost of living relative to comparable metropolitan areas. The city is renowned for its leading technological companies, vast academic resources, thriving industry, an eclectic mix of entertainment, dining, and shopping, and easily accessible opportunities for sports and recreation for participants and fans alike (https://go.osu.edu/aboutcolumbus).

As an Ohio State employee, you will also have access to many benefits such as

·        Retirement Package choice of OPERS or Alternative Retirement Plan

·        Competitive Vacation and Sick Leave Program

·        11 Paid Holidays per year

·        Medical Insurance

·        Dental and Vision Insurance

·        Life Insurance

·        Tuition Reimbursement

·        Opportunity to purchase season tickets to OSU sporting events

·        Additional discounted rates on things such as select cell phone plans, pet care, food and dining, etc.

The Target Hiring Range (NIH Post Doc Scale): $54,840-$66,600.00

By the start of employment, all newly hired employees must receive at least the first dose of a two-dose series or a single dose of a one-dose series COVID-19 vaccination. Individuals who choose a two-dose series vaccination must receive the second dose within 45 days of their start date. Proof of vaccination will be required at the time of hire.

Candidates may request a medical or religious exemption from the vaccination requirement. Campus employees may also request an exemption for personal reasons. Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine, or OSUP Employees are not eligible for personal exemptions. All exemptions are subject to Ohio State’s approval and subject to change, including revocation, due to legal and regulatory requirements.