Cancer Model Scientist, Cclf

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is actively searching for an exceptional Scientist to oversee and propel the activities of a scientific group dedicated to expanding our biobank of patient-derived cancer models. The Research Scientist will support the Cancer Program (CP) as an integral member of our exceptional team, your main objective will be to contribute to the creation of influential cancer cell models for functional profiling technologies, while also ensuring their accessibility to the broader research community.

We are in search of a highly qualified candidate who will take responsibility for planning and executing proof of concept experiments. The candidate will also supervise junior research associates in developing novel model derivation processes and spearhead the validation efforts, including sequencing submission and interpretation of results. Moreover, the candidate will aid other Research Scientists in the transformation of our team's technologies. The candidate will adhere to the annual project goals of the team to ensure successful outcomes.

The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise and knowledge in primary cell culture, coupled with a solid scientific foundation in molecular and cellular assays. Your ability to effectively communicate with project coordinators, project managers, junior team members, scientists, and directors will be crucial for triumph in this role. Within this position, you will consistently contribute your expertise and propelling growth within our programs..

Characteristic Duties

• Serve as one of the model derivation team leadership to bring the in-lab needs, challenges, and possible solutions for the leadership meeting discussion.
• Prepare technical/scientific research data reports related to model derivation and contribute to laboratory and grant application documents as required.
• Organize and lead the 3D cancer model propagation and application workshop.
• Assist in the development of new model generation approaches/technologies and review model derivation/expansion pipelines to support ongoing scientific projects.
• Utilize available large-scale genetic, genomic, phenotypic, and molecular data to support the identification of patient-derived tumor cell models.
• Lead proof-of-concept experiments that improve the model derivation feasibility and efficiency.
• Manage the model derivation core team to expand the model development pipeline activities using various model derivation technology platforms (2D, 3D, neurosphere, etc.) in collaboration with internal scientists/research associates and external research laboratories.
• Collaborate with the research operation manager to ensure the lab activities can achieve science project deliverables, support the daily in-lab researchers’ needs with technical training and experimental designs..
• Communicate effectively with different internal/external collaborative project leads, providing timely and budget-conscious results to the leadership.
• Stay updated on scientific literature, attend key scientific meetings, and engage with relevant research associates to identify project tasks and align them with the project goals.
• Ensure efficiency of the cell model development pipeline modules. Review and interpret assay data and results obtained from genomic quality control.
• Work cross-functionally with research and clinical scientists to support improvements that focus on cancer cell model method development and characterizations.

Qualifications

[Education]

• Master’s or PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, clinical research relevant life sciences discipline with excellent knowledge.

[Experience]

• Master’s degree with at least 5 years of of experience working in a laboratory environment
• A PhD degree with postdoc training is not a requirement.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully delivering large-scale projects in both academic and industry settings is highly desirable

[Skills and Abilities]

• Mindset focused on continuous improvement, actively seeking opportunities to enhance lab efficiency and safety.
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in managing in-lab tasks, personnel, and experimental protocols.
• Strong background and prior experience in molecular biology, genomic techniques, mammalian tissue culture, and next-generation sequencing platforms is highly desired. Emphasis will be placed on experience with next-generation cancer cell model development, including organoids/spheroids.
• Proficiency in designing and executing cell-based assays and other molecular biology assays.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with staff at all levels and external contacts.
• Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm for learning in a self-motivated and science-driven environment.
• Take the lead in designing and conducting small pilot experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of new ideas, methodologies, or approaches.
• Experience in supervising the junior team members and coordinating efforts of technicians and support staff.
• Teach and mentor the junior team members to achieve the team scientific deliverables.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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