POSITION SUMMARY:

The Center for Patient Derived Models (CPDM) at DFCI is seeking applicants for the position of Research Scientist I. This is an exciting new initiative at the DFCI which seeks to advance modeling science and research using patient derived cell lines (PDCL), patient derived organoids (PDO), patient derived xenografts (PDX), and patient cells in functional precision medicine (FPM) studies. Applicants must have prior experience in laboratory research and preclinical studies in both in vitro and in vivo methods. The applicant will work to advance our knowledge of precision medicine, cancer biology, treatment and diagnostics in all cancer types of adults and children. Applicants hired to this position will apply modern cutting-edge techniques to study and create patient derived models of cancer. Collaborations and projects involve direct interaction with academic and biopharma industry partners.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position will involve functional testing, genomics, and development of innovative methods to develop long term models that can aid in novel targeted therapy development and diagnosis of treatment effects. The position involves collaborative research as well as opportunities for internal R&D as well as innovations in the field.

Applicants will participate in preclinical studies as well as incorporation of models into therapeutic clinical trials at a local and national level. Applicants with prior experience in animal research and procedures (mouse/PDX, in vivo imaging, small animal surgery), cell culture (conventional and primary cell culture), preclinical, human research, pathology, and drug screening techniques and above methods are preferred.

Projects include development of methods for novel patient derived models, evaluation of drugs and genomic targets in patient models (e.g. CRISPR methods), preclinical studies of PDX models and immune-oncology models, personalized drug response testing in patient cells/organoids using imaging/CTG/or innovative readouts. Development of novel approaches to scaling model use.

The applicant will ensure protocols and/or amendments are in place and are accurate relative to the study design prior to study initiation. Improves experimental procedures if necessary through discussion with Center’s Director, Associate Director and collaborating partners. The applicant will have project management responsibilities.

The applicant will help to lead and maintain a professional laboratory and vivarium environment required for various in vitro and in vivo research activities. The applicant will train/guide/assist new and junior lab members for commonly performed laboratory and animal related techniques and ensure accurate laboratory notebook, record keeping, and data collection.

The applicant is expected to perform independent data analysis and reporting and documenting data in written and oral formats. Opportunities for intellectual input and contribution to manuscripts are readily available. The position will have opportunity to interact with a wide range of clinicians and scientific collaborators. The position will be supervised by the and Center Director and its Faculty Director (Dr. Keith Ligon).

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.

• PhD or other doctoral degree in biomedical/bioengineering or MD with research experience preferred.
• 4-5 years of postgraduate experience is preferred.
• Proven track record of supervisory experience leading and directing the performance and development of others.
• Outstanding verbal and written abilities, including experience writing grants, manuscripts and reports and developing presentations for large audiences.
• Recent related benchwork, preferably in cellular and molecular biology, in vivo and in vitro cancer models, and cancer genomics.
• Familiarity with the development and interrogation of genomic databases.
• Ability to critically review information and readily understand new concepts.
• Ability to develop innovative processes to achieve goals.
• Ability to independently review activates to continually work towards process improvement.
• Some experience in manuscript and grant/proposal writing is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Please include a statement of interest and three references with your resume as a single document.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide some supervision and training of technicians, postdoctoral fellows and students.

PATIENT CONTACT: None

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.