Scientist I - Wolpin-Nowak Lab

Overview

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a Laboratory Scientist to focus on next-generation, translational pathology studies who will work within the Wolpin-Nowak laboratory () as part of the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research () and the Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory at the Dana-Farber Cancer institute.

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

Our research group investigates the biology and risk factors associated with pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers. We aim to improve outcomes for patients with these diseases both by identifying cancer earlier, when the chance for a cure is greater, and by improving therapy. We focus on learning from cancer patients by studying human biospecimens so that our discoveries can be rapidly and confidently translated into improved clinical care.

Our laboratory members include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, pathologists, data scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical researchers, all of whom contribute their unique expertise to our lab’s work. We employ a broad variety of analysis approaches and techniques in our laboratory, including population-scale epidemiology studies, digital pathology, genomic sequencing, and spatial transcriptomic and protein profiling. Our tissue profiling work encompasses both clinical trial correlative studies and landscape-directed discovery studies. We work closely with the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center Biobank to acquire blood, tissue, and other sample types from patients at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Finally, we routinely collaborate both with investigators at Dana-Farber and across the nation to study pancreatic cancer using model systems and to conduct and lead clinical trials.

• Design and conduct studies using multiplex immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptional profiling, and other cutting edge, high-dimension tissue analysis approaches to evaluate pancreatic cancer pathology using human tissue specimens
• Collaborate with other laboratory members with expertise in pathology, molecular biology, and epidemiology/ biostatistics
• Mentor and supervise research technicians performing tissue-based analyses
• Serve as a liaison for collaborations with other laboratories and institutions
• Maintain laboratory protocol databases, patient tissue and slide archives, and digital assets
• Oversee and maintain laboratory infrastructure
• Assist in training new postdoctoral fellows and research technicians
• Conduct analyses using digital image processing software, such as inForm and QuPath, and statistical packages such as R and SAS
• Participate in group meetings and work collaboratively on larger projects with other group members
• Generate data for figures and tables to serve as the basis for published manuscripts
• Contribute to manuscripts describing research results
• Contribute to progress reports related to research funding

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Strong background in human pathology
• Experience with traditional pathology laboratory techniques, including slide sectioning, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry and special stains a plus
• Experience with translational pathology techniques, including multiplexed immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics, and RNA in situ hybridization a plus
• Experience in oncology research would be an advantage
• Strong commitment to cancer research is required
• Experience managing laboratory staff would be an advantage
• Ability to work independently and perform troubleshooting when needed
• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks
• Outstanding organizational skills and excellent record keeping
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with a shared mission to advance cancer biology
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in genetics/genomics, cancer biology, pathology or related fields
• MD or MD-equivalent and PhD-holding candidates will both be considered; MD/PhD-holding candidates with pathology training are highly encouraged to apply
• Multidisciplinary training and experience in multiple of these fields is desirable
• One or more years of postdoctoral research experience (or equivalent) in academia or industry required

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)

$74,600 - $82,900

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.