Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Wet Lab - Ghobrial Lab

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Wet Lab - Ghobrial Lab

Overview

The lab of Dr. Irene Ghobrial is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct laboratory-based research and lead projects focusing on multiple myeloma and its precursor conditions.

Based on the mission of the Ghobrial lab, the successful candidate will be responsible for identifying novel biomarkers for tumor burden, tumor biology, and immune state aiming to improve prognostication and monitoring of therapy response in patients with precursor conditions, including monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) and smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM).

In pursuit of these goals, the successful applicant will leverage next-generation technologies and advanced laboratory methods, including scRNA-seq, single-cell genomic characterization, spatial proteomics/transcriptomics, proteomics, flow sorting, and immunohistochemistry among others. In addition, the application and integration of state-of-the-art genomic, spatial, and proteomic technologies will be key components of the effort, with particular focus on understanding the function of immune cells as key regulators of the tumor microenvironment. The work will largely involve human tissues and samples for in vitro studies and modeling, with some potential animal work. Beyond fundamental research, there is also strong interest in leveraging emerging data for drug discovery in the context of the larger DFCI ecosystem.

The successful candidate will be highly organized, a team player, and able to work flexible hours to accommodate experimental needs. We are looking for a bright, motivated, and dedicated individual with strong scientific, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

This post-doctoral position is available to start at any time. 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.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a biology-related field or M.D. with at least 2-3 years of laboratory experience.
• Strong background in cancer biology and/or immunology, ideally (but not necessarily) with a focus on the hematopoietic system, with demonstrated contributions to the field.
• Technical proficiency in relevant wet-laboratory techniques, including single-cell, spatial, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and/or FACS-sorting technologies is highly desirable.
• Experience with computational analysis of biological datasets is desirable or demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with computational scientists.
• Strong scientific, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• The candidate must be self-motivated, highly organized, collaborative, and flexible with experimental scheduling; and demonstrates excellent scientific, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and troubleshoot hypothesis-generating screens and hypothesis-driven experiments with a high degree of scientific independence.

• Apply technical expertise and scientific creativity to develop and advance research projects.

• Analyze and interpret complex experimental datasets, using computational approaches where appropriate and/or collaborating effectively with computational biologists.

• Regularly interpret, discuss, and present research findings to laboratory members and the Principal Investigator. Present research findings at scientific conferences and other scientific meetings.

• Collaborate closely internally with computational and clinical teams to interpret results and translate findings into actionable insights. Collaborate closely with external academic and industry partners.

• Maintain detailed, accurate, and well-organized laboratory notebooks and research documentation to support reproducibility and continuity.

• Contribute to grant applications, manuscripts, progress reports, and other scientific communications, including preparation of figures and supporting data.

• Mentor research technicians, undergraduate students, and other junior laboratory members.

• 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.