In 2019, Dr. Zender started his clinical and administrative work at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine as a Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology. He has assumed several leadership roles including the Center of Excellence Co-Leader for Head and Neck Cancer, UC Cancer Center and the Director of Head and Neck Oncology in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Cincinnati. On a system level he recently took the role of Senior Vice President, Chief of Physician Practices at UC Health.

His research interests involve clinical trials utilizing the non-surgical treatment of HPV-related head and neck cancer, targeted therapies such as adjuvant therapy after surgery, and identifying diagnostic biomarkers for the early identification of cancerous and precancerous lesions in the head and neck. He currently has an investigator initiated clinical trial utilizing brachytherapy in combination with salvage surgery and immune therapy in the recurrent head and neck setting.

He continues to work in close collaboration with Dr. Tricia Wise-Draper, Co-Leader of the Center of Excellence for Head and Neck, as well as with all members of the Head and Neck Center Team in his clinical work. He also works in collaboration with the head and neck program, led by Dr. Jeff Otiti, at the Uganda Cancer Institute in Kampala, Uganda where he leads a team twice annually for surgical outreach camps.