Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

BRIC; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hwang laboratory at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, MA seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to study the host genetic landscape of HPV-driven cellular immortalization and transformation. You will lead hit validation and downstream mechanistic studies, advancing sub-pool screens, and shaping manuscripts.

Ideal candidates have a PhD in a closely related field, strong experience in functional genomics, virology, and sequencing data analysis, and a passion for host-pathogen

Qualifications

• PhD in virology, microbiology, genetics, or immunology.
• A track record of leading projects through publications and conferences.
• Hands-on experience in functional genomics including CRISPR screens (CRISPRi/CRISPRa).
• Experience in virology assays and handling primary human cells.
• Bioinformatic analysis of screen and sequencing data is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments essential to the project and team goals.
• Lead validation and mechanistic studies of hits from CRISPRi/CRISPRa screens.
• Troubleshoot experiments by consulting literature and supervisors.
• Develop new methods and technologies relevant to the project.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and share protocols.
• Contribute to grants, papers, and patents.

Skills

Excellent communication

Independent work

Problem solving

Creative thinking

Team collaboration

Education

PhD in virology, microbiology, genetics, immunology

Tools

CRISPR screens (CRISPRi/CRISPRa)

Molecular cloning

Lentivirus production

Next-generation sequencing

Bioinformatics analysis

Job description

https://www.broadinstitute.org/about-usThe mission of the Broad Institute is to understand the roots of disease and close the gap between new biological insights and impact for patients. The Broad Institute is an independent, non-profit research organization that aims to discover the root causes of all common and rare diseases, and to use this insight to help develop safe and effective therapeutic interventions.Based primarily in Kendall Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Broad Institute was founded in 2004 to fulfill the promise of genomic medicine — three years after completion of the Human Genome Project, which Broad scientists helped create and lead.We tackle big scientific questions that no single lab can address alone. We empower cross-disciplinary teams to solve the most important challenges in biomedicine. We invent and openly share cutting-edge technologies and tools to accelerate research and catalyze improvements in human health throughout the United States and beyond.The Broad innovates at the intersection of scientific disciplines, convening scientists and other experts from genomics, cell biology, chemistry, engineering, neuroscience, therapeutics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, computational biology, and public health. We engage more than 6,000 scientists from MIT, Harvard, Harvard’s primary teaching hospitals, academic institutions across the country, and leading industry partners including Bayer for cancer and cardiovascular health research, Boehringer Ingelheim, Calico, Deerfield Management, GSK, Novo Nordisk, and more.

The Hwang laboratory at the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to investigate the host genetic landscape of human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven cellular immortalization and transformation. Infection with 'high-risk' HPVs causes cervical cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, and other anogenital cancers. Although vaccination could prevent the majority of high-risk HPV infections, vaccine uptake rates remain low in many parts of the world, and HPV vaccination cannot treat precancerous lesions or cancers. Therefore, HPV-associated cancers present an urgent public health need: in 2022 alone, there were about 660,000 new cases of cervical cancer and about 350,000 deaths worldwide, making it the fourth leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths in women. The essential drivers of HPV-mediated carcinogenesis are the HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins, and inhibiting key transforming activities of these oncoproteins has high potential to treat HPV-positive cancers.

To understand and ultimately inhibit HPV-driven carcinogenesis, our team has performed genome-scale CRISPRi and CRISPRa screens in primary human cells, and the project is now advancing to validating and mechanistically characterizing screen hits. The successful candidate will join the project at this exciting stage: leading the hit validation and downstream mechanistic studies, completing the ongoing sub-pool screens, and driving the resulting manuscripts, with ample opportunity to develop independent follow-up directions.

The applicant will be expected to work well in a multi-institute collaboration setting, communicate effectively, and possess a strong desire to contribute to basic and translational research. Training and expertise in virology and functional genomics are essential. This opportunity is particularly suited for candidates who are passionate about research on host-pathogen interactions, especially virus-induced cancers.

Our team is ideally seeking a candidate with:

• A PhD in virology, microbiology, genetics, immunology, or a closely related field
• A record of leading projects successfully through publications in scientific journals and presentations at scientific conferences
• A solid understanding of and hands-on experience in functional genomics, including CRISPR screens (CRISPRi/CRISPRa), molecular cloning, lentivirus production, and next-generation sequencing
• Experience in virology assays and in handling and modulating primary human cells in the presence and absence of infection
• Bioinformatic analysis of screen and sequencing data is a big plus

Key Responsibilities:

• Work independently and with team members to design and carry out experiments essential to the individual project and the group's collective success.
• Lead the validation and mechanistic characterization of hits from CRISPRi/CRISPRa screens.
• Consult the literature, supervisor, and other scientific staff as needed to troubleshoot experiments.
• Investigate, learn, and develop new methods and technologies that might be relevant to the project.
• Maintain and share detailed experimental records, documentation, and written protocols with team members.
• Contribute to grants, papers, and patents.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication (oral and written) and wet lab skills, organization, and time management skills.
• High level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team.
• Strong desire to learn new methods and ability to think creatively to solve problems.

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.