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Cancer Radiation Biologist

University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI

Posted May 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Give us an overview of your research in cancer or radiation biology and the main question your lab would pursue here.

What they are checking: Whether they have a clear, independent research program that fits the Department of Human Oncology.

Describe how you mentor graduate students and postdocs.

What they are checking: Their approach to training, which the posting lists as part of the job.

Tell us about an experiment that gave a surprising result. What did you do next?

What they are checking: Scientific curiosity and rigor when data do not match expectations.

What would you do

How would you collaborate with radiation oncologists and medical physicists in the department?

What they are checking: Whether they can do the interdisciplinary work the department is built around.

How do you make sure your findings could be useful to patients someday?

What they are checking: Whether they think about translation, not just basic mechanism.

What core facilities or resources would you need to get your lab running here?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic startup plan.

How would you teach radiation biology to radiation oncology residents who mostly care about the clinic?

What they are checking: Ability to make basic science relevant to clinical trainees.

About the work

How does your work connect to how tumors respond to radiation therapy?

What they are checking: Whether their biology has a real link to radiation oncology, the department's clinical focus.

Which models do you use, such as cell lines, organoids or animal models, and what are their limits?

What they are checking: Rigor in choosing experimental models and honesty about how well they reflect human cancer.

What is your plan for extramural funding over your first five years?

What they are checking: Whether they can build a lab that is funded and sustainable.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process. Job Category: Faculty Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Assistant Professor Job Summary: The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health is a seeking cancer research specialist at the Assistant, Associate, or Professor level to establish laboratory research programs in cancer biology and/or radiation biology. The desired candidate will hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degree, and have research interests broadly related to the biology of cancer. Oncology focus areas may include radiation biology, cell signaling, genetics, DNA damage and repair, angiogenesis, cancer therapeutics, cellular and molecular response to cancer therapy, stem cell biology, molecular prognostic markers, cell cycle control, stress response and others. In addition to research and teaching activities, this candidate will also participate in graduate student and postdoctoral training. Clinical practice opportunities also exist for candidates with interest and with the appropriate background. The Department of Human Oncology is an interdisciplinary department of the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Wisconsin, with missions of teaching, research and radiation oncology-related practice directed toward the detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human malignant diseases. The DHO is a "bridging" department that fosters excellence in basic, translational and clinical research, housing basic scientists, physicians, physician-scientists and physicists. DHO faculty members are also members of the University of Wisconsin Paul P Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. The successful candidate will also participate in professional, public, and university service. Key Job Responsibilities: • Participate in administrative and committee work to support the clinical and scholarly missions of UW Health and the School of Medicine and Public Health. An essential part of these duties will be working in a collegial relationship with other faculty members • Teach medical students, residents, and fellows Department: School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Human Oncology The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin is dedicated to advancing the field of radiation oncology through excellence in education, research, and patient care. We are committed to training the next generation of leaders—including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapy professionals—while conducting innovative research that drives progress in cancer treatment. Our team is equally devoted to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to individuals affected by cancer. Compensation: Negotiable, 12 month Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and sick leave; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits. For more information, refer to the campus benefits webpage and the SMPH Academic Staff Benefits Flyer Required Qualifications: • For participation in clinical duties, applicants must have or be able to obtain medical licensure in Wisconsin without restriction • research interests broadly related to the biology of cancer Preferred Qualifications: • Preferred experience in Oncology focus areas may include: radiation biology, cell signaling, genetics, DNA damage and repair, angiogenesis, cancer therapeutics, cellular and molecular response to cancer therapy, stem cell biology, molecular prognostic markers, cell cycle control, stress response, tumor immunology, theranostics, effects of the microbiome and others. • For an appointment at Associate Professor or Professor rank on tenure track, candidates will meet criteria established by the department and as outlined in the UW Divisional Committee guidelines for promotion or appointment to Associate or Professor on the tenure track. Education: • MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degree How to Apply: To apply for this position, please click on the "I am a current employee" button or "I am not a current employee" button under Apply Now. You will be prompted to upload the following documents: • Cover Letter • Resume Applicants are to submit a cover letter and resume detailing their training and experience relating to the required and preferred qualifications referenced above. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine which qualified applicants will advance in the recruitment process. We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected. The deadline for assuring full consideration is July 15, 2026; however, the position will remain open and applications may be considered until the position is filled. Contact Information: Kirsten Gragg , kgragg@wisc.edu , 608-265-3357 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information. Institutional Statement on Diversity: Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website . To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodation for any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR) in the division you are applying to. Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you. Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7). The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department .

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