Scientist I

The Research Scientist will report directly to Judy Garber, MD, MPH, who serves as the Chief of The Division of Cancer Genetics and Prevention (CCGP) at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).

The CCGP at the DFCI was one of the first clinical cancer genetics and prevention programs in the world. The Center offers genetic testing, counseling, and expert care for adult and pediatric cancer patients, survivors, previvors (patients who do not have cancer but tested positive for a mutation), and those with a family history of cancer. Our team also leads innovative research that helps to unravel the complexities of inherited cancers. Our research group is also active in clinical trials exploring new methods of cancer risk reduction.  Dr. Garber’s group is particularly focused on breast cancer risk and risk reduction.

The Research Scientist will be responsible for enhancing productivity of the CCGP through providing and facilitating scientific operational support. S/he will partner closely with Dr. Garber, work with her project managers to provide support to their projects, but will particularly focus on developing and implementing prevention trials, working most closely with the prevention team at Dana-Farber and leading the development of clinical trials as part of collaborations with external sites, locally, nationally and internationally. This position requires strategic agility, strong project management and communication skills, and interaction with multiple faculty and staff members across the Harvard-wide community and beyond.

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.

• Help define, prioritize, and develop projects/initiatives directly involving the Chief across a variety of platforms
• Work directly with the Chief to build and update the CCGP’s long-term research strategic plan
• Assist Research Project Managers as needed with regulatory/IRB submissions, correspondence, and documentation
• Assist with content and organizational aspects of preparation of grants, progress reports, manuscripts and presentations including clinical data abstraction;
• Work directly with the Chief to track goals, prioritization and execution of activities, and follow-up with team members to help drive project closure to ensure optimal productivity of the programs
• Contribute to multiple projects as an individual contributor and/or advisor, including budgeting, contract negotiation, and managing timelines
• Brainstorm ideas, gather requirements, leverage scientific and management skills and act in a hands-on capacity to drive day-to-day program activities and operations of the CCGP
• Draft, update, and maintain research profiles and web-based platforms based on the needs of the Center Directors and faculty members
• May be responsible for coordinating research team meetings and conference calls, facilitating mailings and other project-related tasks
• Responsible for communication with study sponsors and sites to coordinate study start up and participant enrollment
• May train and/ or supervise Research Project Managers or Clinical Research Coordinators

• Master’s degree in Biostatistics or Epidemiology, Public Health or Medical Science preferred
• PhD or MD in Life Sciences, especially Medical Sciences, preferred; experience in clinical arenas an asset
• At least five years related experience working as a scientist or project manager in a clinical, academic research, medical science, or similar setting strongly preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of cancer as a disease process, ideally with a background in Cancer Genetics, Population Sciences, Clinical Trials and/or Epidemiology
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills – must be able to build connections within and between teams, appropriately represent the Director of Research’s vision/voice, and build constructive and effective relationships with a broad and diverse group of colleagues
• Excellent organizational, time- and project-management skills and an ability to work independently
• Strong written, verbal, and creative communication skills, including ability to translate insight into content, create PowerPoint or written presentations, and develop grant applications
• Passion for learning and innovation, ability to set new and stretching goals for him/herself and the team with a “can-do” attitude and high attention to detail

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: May supervise staff

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 groups as protected by law.

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