Research Scientist II - Ghobrial Lab

Overview

We are currently seeking an experienced scientist, preferably with a background in hematology and/or oncology, who will, in close collaboration with the PI and Sr. VP of Experimental Medicine, Dr. Ghobrial, as well as research leadership, drive the scientific wet lab discovery for our portfolio of projects within the Ghobrial Lab, a busy research lab team of about two dozen members, comprised of both wet lab and computational teams of Instructors, Post-doctoral Research Fellows, graduate students, and research technicians. The position will facilitate the ongoing translational research efforts in early detection, risk stratification, and interception of precursor conditions to blood cancers, more specifically, basic and translational biomarker research and identification of mechanisms of progression.

The Ghobrial Lab has several large-scale, multi-institutional, research projects, such that the individual who fills this role will be critical to the success of these key collaborations and research endeavors. The person will also be a critical contributor, together with the PI, Associate Director, Scientists, Instructors, and Lab Manager, to the strategic planning, operational implementation, and project management of the overall Lab.

The candidate will be expected to have a deep understanding of science, preferably with experience in hematology and/or cancer research and have a proven track record of managing large-scale projects. They will be adept at developing and maintaining close relationships with internal and external key stakeholders, as well as training, guiding, and mentoring other researchers. A successful candidate will have strong emotional intelligence and cultural awareness as the internal team and scientific partners are international.

This individual will work together with the leadership team to develop detailed timelines and workflows, leverage resources to support project progress, contribute to and lead wet lab discovery, proactively identify and solve roadblocks, track and monitor project budgets, ensure timelines are met, report results, and manage progress reports. Finally, this person will ensure that contractual obligations on said projects are met.

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

Management of Scientific Project Deliverables and Timelines:

• Ensure success of project milestones associated with assigned projects, grants and research efforts.
• Lead the wet lab implementation of complex research projects, with focus on timelines and deliverables.
• Maintain expertise on advances in the field and provides scientific input on ideas and project direction.
• Integrate activities across teams to maximize success of the overall project output.
• Ensure effective governance of the collaboration by engaging all the stakeholders.
• Ensure effective communication between project leadership, both within the DFCI and between DFCI and all partners.
• Manage project budgets and oversee resource allocation for assigned projects in collaboration with research leadership.
• Proactively identify and solve project roadblocks.
• Manage the internal and external relationships pertinent to the objectives of assigned project collaborations.
• Works closely with the leadership team to promote synergy among the various teams and efforts, and that the various initiatives together advance the overall scientific planning and research objectives of the Lab.
• Ensure project deadlines and contractual obligations are met for assigned projects.
• Responsible for the compliance of assigned projects.
• Participates in compiling/submitting grant proposals including developing internal timelines, and leading writing of budget justifications, letter drafts, and other supportive material.
• Writes and collaborates with other researchers on manuscripts, abstracts, and other publications of research findings.

Leadership of Wet Lab Discovery:

• Responsible for identifying novel biomarkers for tumor burden, tumor biology, and immune state in both the bone marrow and peripheral blood, aiming to improve assessment for prognostication and monitoring of therapy response in patients with MGUS and SMM.
• Leverage next-generation sequencing and advanced laboratory methods, including sterile tissue culture, proteomics, spatial proteomics/transcriptomics, and single-cell genomic characterization towards delivery research aims.
• Responsible for developing novel immunologic techniques and applying new technologies in investigating the function of immune cells as key regulators of the tumor microenvironment.
• Leverage human tissues and samples for in vitro studies and modeling, as well as conduct animal work as needed.
• Collaborate with other key researchers, such as pathologists and computational biologists.

Management of Research Operations:

• Responsible for research operations and compliance on assigned projects.
• Work together with the lab leadership to oversee and manage daily laboratory operations, coordinating with staff, facilities, environmental health and safety, and IT as needed.
• Work with the lab leadership to ensure the onboarding of new project staff, training, and standards are in alignment with the scientific objectives and strategic direction of assigned projects.
• Liaison as necessary with DFCI Central Administration including Grants and Contracts, Finance, EHS, and the Office of Innovation.
• Ample opportunities for scientific writing, depending on the interests and aptitude of the selected candidate.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD degree in biology, chemistry, biomedical science or related, with experience in complex scientific projects is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficient wet lab skills: next-generation sequencing and advanced laboratory methods, including sterile tissue culture, proteomics, spatial proteomics/transcriptomics, and single-cell genomic characterization, in vitro, and in vivo work.
• Experience in project management or lab operations.
• Strong competencies in project planning and resource management with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and resources, while maintaining a focus on quality.
• Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate experimental needs.
• Excellent written and oral communication and people skills.
• Excellent documentation skills.
• Demonstrated organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Solid analytical capabilities and impeccable attention to detail.
• Ability to produce and present clear, concise, and professionally written communications and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work with evolving priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Team player who can work independently and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Enjoys working with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Entrepreneurial, self-starter and independent.
• Excellent business software skills, including LIMS systems, electronic lab journals, project mapping software such as SmartSheets or Microsoft Project, and ability to learn new skills and software with ease.

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.