Scientist II - Smith Lab

Overview

The pre-clinical group developing next generation antibody and CAR T cell immunotherapies for cancer is looking for an exceptionally motivated individual with substantial past wet lab experience. The Smith Lab group is focused CAR T cell immunotherapy for cancer and protein engineering/synthetic biology; taking projects from conception to transgene design /genetic engineering, through reduction to practice, and into in vivo studies, and ultimately to the clinic. >10 clinical trials have launched stemming from the Smith team’s pre-clinical work.

The candidate will make substantial contributions to the planning, execution, and data analysis of in vitro and in vivo work of pre-clinical stage projects, enabling the translation of CAR T therapies from lab to clinic and should have prior experience in the cell therapy, gene therapy or tumor biology fields.

We expect a strong background in some of the laboratory methods required to perform this bench work, leadership responsibilities, and we provide training to expand the scientist’s tool box in CAR T cell and cancer immunotherapy workflows. Additional opportunities for growth are attending lectures and journal clubs held here at DFCI and participating in academic and industry collaborations. The work is highly translational and the applicant will participate in efforts to move pre-clinical work from the lab to the clinic.

Dr. Smith is deeply committed to the success of each individual that joins the lab. He believes that mentorship should be intentional, thought out, and personalized for each member of the group. He dedicates time to meet individuals’ needs for scientific growth and pursuit of their career goals.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated, independent thinker with a tremendous work ethic. The position will require great planning and organizational skills. An ability to work well with others as part of a cohesive team, take initiative, and creatively problem solve are a must.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world-renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allied in the common mission of conquering cancer. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to all patients; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow’s physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

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.

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, analyze, interpret and report results of experiments individually and collaboratively.
• Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Lead efforts to identify clinical candidates
• Coordinate/conduct IND enabling experiments
• Generate data of a quality upon which decisions for the future direction of a program can be based.
• Maintain detailed electronic notebook of all experiments.
• Keep up with appropriate literature and research publications.
• Develop, modify and improve of laboratory procedures.
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Contribute to technical reports supporting IND applications, the grant application process, presentations and manuscript preparation as required.
• May coordinate work and be involved in training of junior staff.
• Collaborate and coordinate with team members across groups and functions to move pre-clinical projects from the lab to the clinic.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent. Masters with substantial experience in CAR T cell therapy will be considered.
• Deep knowledge of and interest in CAR T cell therapies, immunotherapy, translational research
• Experience with lentiviral production, T cell transduction, cytotoxicity measures, in vivo (mouse) experimental design and execution.
• Exceptionally self-motivated and eager to expand existing skills.
• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Outstanding organization.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Must consider attention to detail a strength.
• Ability to work within a team environment.

Only applicants that submit a cover letter and detailed CV will be considered.

As part of the selection process the contact information for three references will be requested.

Faculty Director: Eric Smith, MD PhD (

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

$92,400 - $104,300

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 characteristics protected by law.