Cell and Gene Therapy Engineering Group - Scientist II

Overview

The Scientist II works on complex projects related to the field with minimal supervision. Has a wide latitude for independent judgement and may assist less-experienced peers. Works on problems of moderate to large scope in which analysis of situation or data requires a review of identifiable factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Contributes technical proficiency and scientific creativity. Works both collaboratively and independently.

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.

Overview: Pre-clinical group developing next generation antibody (bispecific T cell engager, TCE) and CAR T cell immunotherapies for cancer is looking for an exceptionally motivated scientist I/II to join the team. The Smith Lab group is focused CAR T cell immunotherapy for cancer and protein engineering/synthetic biology; taking projects from conception to transgene design /genetic engineering, through reduction to practice, and into in vivo studies, and ultimately to the clinic. 15 clinical trials have launched stemming from the Smith team’s pre-clinical work. The candidate will make substantial contributions to advancing our CAR T and TCE work to the clinic, including in direct in vivo administration approaches of our candidates.

We expect a strong background in some of the laboratory methods required to perform this work such as protein engineering, viral and/or LNP engineering including targeting, and/or CAR design/engineering. We provide training to expand the scientist’s took box in terms of CAR T cell and cancer immunotherapy workflows. Additional opportunities for growth are attending lectures and journal clubs held here at DFCI and participating in academic and industry collaborations. The work is highly translational and there is a clear path to moving to the clinic candidates based on this work. The applicant will have ample opportunity to design, conduct, and work with CROs to support IND enabling studies.

Dr. Smith is deeply committed to the success of each trainee that joins the lab. He believes that mentorship should be intentional, thought out, and personalized for each member of the group. He dedicates time to meet trainees' individual needs for scientific growth and pursuit of their career goals. 

We are looking for a self-motivated scientist used to taking initiative to drive projects rapidly forward. Tremendous communication skills and work ethic are required. The position will require enormous planning and organizational skills. An ability to work well with others as part of a cohesive team and creatively problem solve are a must. We welcome applications from those completing an academic post-doc or with industry experience.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world-renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allied in the common mission of conquering cancer. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to all patients; 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. 

This full-time in person bench science position will include project-specific and general lab responsibilities as outlined below:

• Conduct and coordinate with collaborators/CROs to rapidly push projects forward towards IND applications.

• Maintain detailed electronic notebook of all experiments. 

• Exercise judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results. 

• Generate data of a quality upon which decisions for the future direction of a program can be based. 

• Write reports and summaries of findings. 

• Participate in formal and information presentations. 

• Intellectual commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications. 

• Contribute to technical reports, the grant application process and manuscript preparation as required. 

• Development, improvement and adherence to standard operating procedures. 

• Proactive and reliable stewardship of the laboratory. 

• May coordinate activities of other staff. 

• Acts independently to determine methods and procedures. 

• Collaborate and coordinate with team members across groups and functions as part of cohesive team.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent. Masters with substantial experience in experimentation and leadership will be considered.

• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

• Builds stable working relationships; be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff 

• Outstanding organization; detail oriented; multi-tasking skills 

• Must consider attention to detail a strength 

• Outstanding planning, organizational, multi-tasking skills 

• Ability to work within a team environment 

Only applicants that submit a cover letter, detailed CV will be considered.

As part of the selection process the contact information for three references will be requested.

Faculty Director: Eric Smith, MD PhD (

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. 

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.

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).