Lead Scientist/Associate Director, Center for Patient-Derived Models (CPDM)

Overview

The Center for Patient-Derived Models (CPDM) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Scientist/Associate Director to support and help lead operations of our state-of-the-art functional precision medicine and patient-derived modeling program. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing functional precision oncology research through the development, validation, and application of live cell assays for patient derived cells, patient-derived xenograft (PDX), patient-derived cell lines (PDCL), patient-derived organoid (PDO), and other model systems. This role involves managing a large portfolio of models, biospecimens, and collaborative projects while driving innovation in functional precision medicine, multi-omics integration, and translational research.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in cancer biology, organoid/PDX technologies, novel emerging functional precision medicine assays. They should have a proven track record in team leadership, prior management, and cross-functional collaboration.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Model Management & Operations: Oversee the establishment, maintenance, expansion, and quality control of a large repository of patient-derived models. Manage model validations and ensure high standards for reproducibility and clinical relevance.

• Translational Research & Biomarker Development: Design and execute studies using patient-derived models to support biomarker discovery, drug sensitivity testing, and mechanism-of-action investigations. Integrate multi-omics data ( scRNA -seq, proteomics, etc.) with functional assays.

• Leadership & Team Management: Co-direct daily operations of the CPDM, mentor junior scientists and research associates, and foster a collaborative team environment. Contribute to strategic planning for center growth, resource allocation, and technology adoption.

• Collaborations & Project Oversight: Serve as a scientific liaison for internal DFCI investigators, external academic partners, and industry collaborators. Manage IND-enabling studies, assay validation (IHC, flow cytometry, multiplex IF, label-free FPM), and large-scale biospecimen handling.

• Data Analysis & Innovation: Utilize and develop bioinformatics tools, cBioPortal , DepMap , and AI/ML approaches to analyze complex datasets and advance functional precision medicine platforms.

• Grant & Publication Support: Contribute to grant writing, progress reports, and high-impact publications in journals.

• Compliance & Best Practices: Ensure adherence to regulatory, ethical, and institutional guidelines for human subjects research and biospecimen management.

Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Biology, or a closely related field.

• Experience:

• 5+ years of postdoctoral or industry experience in patient-derived models (PDOs/PDXs/organoids) or functional precision medicine assays.

• Demonstrated leadership in managing large model repositories, validations, and multi-omics workflows.

• Strong publication record in translational oncology or related fields.

• Technical Skills: Expertise in 3D cell culture, organoid techniques, PDX models, high-throughput drug screening, molecular biology, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, multiplex imaging, and bioinformatics (R/Linux, scRNA -seq analysis preferred).

• Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and collaborate across disciplines. Experience in a core facility, center, or translational research environment is highly desirable.

• Other: Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, matrixed environment at a leading cancer research institute.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in cancer biology.

• Familiarity with AI-enabled translational science, companion diagnostics ( CDx ), or functional precision medicine platforms.

• Prior experience in lab automation, digitization , ELN /LIMS implementation.

• Track record of successful grant funding and industry/academic partnerships.

• Prior experience in a CLIA/CAP environment viewed as a plus. 

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge precision oncology research at one of the world’s leading cancer institutes.

• Access to exceptional resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, large biospecimen collections, and collaborative networks.

• Interface with academic and industry KOLs.

• Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and professional development opportunities.

• A supportive, mission-driven environment focused on improving patient outcomes through innovative models.

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate 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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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$100,000.00 - $186,300.00