Sabeti Lab - Research Scientist - Viral Diagnostics

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is a research organization that convenes a community of researchers from across many disciplines and partner institutions—MIT, Harvard, and Harvard-affiliated hospitals. Our research teams are working on redefining the boundaries of science and medicine with an interdisciplinary model designed to meet today's most critical biomedical challenges. Here you will find a supportive and collaborative intellectual environment and a firm commitment to continuously invest in cutting edge technology. At the Broad we are developing new tools that enable scientists to unlock the mysteries of genomics.

The Sabeti lab, led by Pardis Sabeti, and embedded in the Broad Viral Genomics Program develops and applies methods across widely varying fields — such as human genomics, viral sequencing, CRISPR-based diagnostics, information theory, rural disease surveillance and education efforts in the US and West Africa — to create comprehensive approaches for detecting, containing, and treating deadly viral diseases. We have developed genomic approaches to interrogate microbial pathogens and uncovered key features of Ebola, Zika, Lassa, and SARS-CoV-2. This is a large, dynamic lab with projects funded by multiple U.S. government agencies and various philanthropic donors.

Description & Responsibilities

We are seeking a scientist to conduct laboratory experimentation in support of our diagnostics team. Examples of projects supported by this team include the STOP Spillover project, a USAID funded collaboration with Tufts University, and the Sentinel Program, funded by the Audacious Project. Both projects aim to support pandemic prevention by leveraging genomic technologies for pathogen surveillance.

The candidate will work to support genomic surveillance efforts and the development of CRISPR-based molecular diagnostics technologies for pathogen detection. They will report to the program directors and senior leadership of the Sabeti Lab to operationalize technologies for impact in program sites in West Africa. They will also focus on accelerating the translation of emerging platforms into low and middle income country (LMIC) settings, with responsibilities to contribute to our diagnostic experimental portfolio.

Key Areas Of Responsibilities

• Support diagnostics product development and guide experimental (wet lab) work for diagnostic research and development team.
• Collaborate with the team to develop diagnostic technologies to address unmet needs.
• Assess new diagnostics technologies/methods and evaluate their applicability for public health.
• Work with the management team to ensure activities related to the use of biological materials including recombinant and synthetic DNA in the lab are performed safely and in compliance with applicable regulations, standards, policies and procedures, and best practices.
• Guide clinical validation work and engagements with FDA and other foreign regulatory agencies.
• Work with the Project Directors and Program Leads and Project Manager to translate emerging diagnostic technology platforms to be applicable for LMICs across different disease areas.
• Experience and/or understanding of diagnostics manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Expertise or strong understanding of molecular-based diagnostics such as PCR, CRISPR, and sequencing.
• Advanced degree (PhD in a related discipline).
• Experience assessing new technologies and approaches as well as matching novel technologies with biomedical or public health applications.
• Experience in leading diagnostic products from early development through deployment /implementation work. Experience in regulatory review and approvals is a plus.

Key attributes

• Ability to work independently and can self-manage multiple projects to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with many opposing demands and a large portfolio of active programs
• Comfortable working in a multifaceted environment with ability to cope with shifting priorities and can execute on high-level direction
• Proven outstanding written and oral communication skills requiring communications to a diverse audience on a range of technical issues.
• Willingness to travel internationally for training, meetings and site visits, pending safe travel conditions.
• Proactive and flexible nature with reliable follow-through and attention to detail.
• Experience working in matrix-organization and can balance multiple partners’ relationships to ensure alignment

All Broad employees, regardless of work location, must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Requests for exemption for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs will be considered.

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.

EEO is The Law - click here for more information

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

Check out this video for a look into our community!