Scientist - Lindsley Lab

A Research Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Coleman Lindsley (https://lindsleylab.dana-farber.org/) at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Harvard Medical School. We use interdisciplinary approaches at the interface of genomics and molecular biology to understand the mechanisms of human disease, with the aim of translating these insights into novel therapies for patients with cancer.

The position will involve studying the mechanisms by which leukemia develops in cancer predisposition syndromes, with a particular emphasis on telomere biology. Individuals with germline mutations in telomere maintenance genes have very short telomeres with various clinical manifestations of accelerated organ degeneration collectively referred to as telomere biology disorders (TBDs). Patients with TBDs have a markedly increased risk of developing myeloid malignancies such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The Lindsley Lab is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms linking impaired telomere maintenance with transformation to myeloid malignancies and developing approaches to improve patient outcomes through rational surveillance and novel treatment.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Inspired by discoveries made in the Lindsley Lab, the Dana-Farber Telomere Biology Disorder Multidisciplinary Program was established in 2020 to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of patients with TBD through exceptional clinical care and scientific discovery. Our clinical program includes pediatric and adult experts in hematology, stem cell transplant, pulmonary, lung transplant, hepatology, liver transplant, oral medicine, and dermatology. The Research Scientist would function at the interface of laboratory-based and clinical science, supporting projects related to the core themes of our TBD translational research program, including: 

• functional characterization of germline telomere maintenance gene variants,
• discovery of novel TBD-associated genes, 
• determining the molecular pathways of progression to myeloid malignancies, 
• the development of novel therapies for patients with TBD.

Such projects will integrate analysis of primary human samples with studies using engineered mouse and cell line models. Technical skills involving tissue culture, flow cytometry, small animal models, and standard molecular and cell biology methods are highly desirable. Some specific examples of roles include:

• Processing patient blood and bone marrow samples 
• CRISPR HDR isogenic cell line generation and validation
• High-throughput screens using CRISPR and drugs
• Protein production and purification
• Cell-based telomere elongation assay
• DNA and RNA sequencing
• Various telomere length quantification methods
• qPCR
• Terminal Restriction Fragment analysis
• TeSLA
• Long-read sequencing

The ideal candidate has strong leadership qualities, is collegial, creative, and highly motivated, with a strong record of productivity during graduate training. The Research Scientist will be responsible for working closely in a leadership capacity with a team of post-docs, students, and research technicians to conduct experiments and analyze, present, and publish research findings. The role has the following requirements:

• Ph.D. required

• Four to five years experience post bachelor’s degree preferred

• One or more years of post-doctoral research experience preferred
• Strong leadership skills and experience working in teams.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, team-centered mentality, and a passion for developing new therapeutic approaches for cancer.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Background in molecular and/or cell biology, biochemistry, genomics, cancer biology, or computational biology.

The laboratory is situated in the Division of Hematologic Neoplasia at DFCI, within a vibrant community of translational and basic research that includes Harvard Medical School, the Broad Institute of MIT, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Boston Children’s Hospital. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, DFCI brings together world-renowned clinicians, innovative researchers, and dedicated professionals, allies in the shared mission of conquering cancer. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physicians and researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with excellent partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

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.

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