Research Scientist II - Ghobrial Lab

We are currently seeking an experienced scientist who will, in close collaboration with the PI and Sr. VP of Experimental Medicine, Dr. Ghobrial, as well as research leadership, oversee the scientific 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, and who will facilitate the ongoing translational research efforts in early detection, risk stratification, and interception of precursor conditions to blood cancers, in particular basic and translational biomarker research and identification of mechanisms of progression.

The Ghobrial Lab has several large-scale, multi-institutional, grant-funded 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, 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 cancer research and/or managing large-scale projects, as well as prior management experience. 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 team to proactively identify and solve roadblocks across teams and institutions, track and monitor budgets, ensure timelines are met, report results and manage progress reports. Finally, this person will ensure that contractual obligations are met.

Website: https://ghobriallab.dana-farber.org/

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.

Management of Scientific Project Deliverables and Timelines:

• Ensure success of project milestones associated with the various grants and research efforts.
• Lead the 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 complex groups 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 across the projects in collaboration with the Associate Director, Program Administrator, and Grants Management team. Work with leadership and principal investigators to track and monitor budgets, develop and meet timelines, and to proactively identify and solve roadblocks.
• Manage the internal and external relationships pertinent to the objectives of the various project collaborations.
• Works closely with the leadership team to ensure contractual obligations are met, 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.
• 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.

Management of Research Operations:

• Work together with the Lab Manager and leadership to oversee and manage daily laboratory operations, coordinating with staff, facilities, environmental health and safety, and IT as needed.
• Work with the Lab Manager and larger management team to ensure the lab maintains operational and regulatory compliance, and that the daily operations, onboarding of new staff, training, and standards are in alignment with the scientific objectives and strategic direction of the various ongoing research projects.
• Ensure state-of-the-art lab equipment for the scientists and optimize the management of lab space and opportunities for implementation of automation.
• 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 master’s degree in biology, chemistry, biomedical science or related, with experience in complex scientific projects is preferred.
• Six to nine years of experience post undergraduate degree.
• One to two years of work experience post education.
• Experience in project management or lab operations.
• Strong competencies in project management, planning, outsourcing, resource management and organization with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and resources, while maintaining a focus on quality.
• Familiarity with or interest/ability to rapidly become expert in PM software such as SmartSheets.
• Excellent written and oral communication and people skills.
• Strong 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.
• 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 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.

EEOC Poster