Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Wet Lab - Ghobrial Lab

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute invites a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the Ghobrial Lab in Boston. The role centers on lab-based research targeting multiple myeloma and its precursors, using cutting-edge genomics and proteomics to identify biomarkers and understand immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment.

The successful candidate will work with human tissues, employ scRNA-seq, spatial proteomics/transcriptomics, and other state-of-the-art technologies, and may

Qualifications

• PhD in biology-related field or MD with at least 2-3 years of laboratory experience.
• Strong background in cancer biology and/or immunology, ideally with a hematopoietic focus.
• Technical proficiency in wet-lab techniques including single-cell, spatial, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and/or FACS-sorting.
• Experience with computational analysis of biological datasets or collaboration with computational scientists.
• Strong scientific, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, collaborative, and flexible with experimental scheduling; excellent scientific skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and troubleshoot hypothesis-generating screens and experiments with scientific independence.
• Apply technical expertise to develop and advance research projects.
• Analyze complex datasets, using computational approaches or collaborating with computational biologists.
• Present findings to lab members and PI; share at conferences and meetings.
• Collaborate with internal computational/clinical teams and external partners.
• Maintain detailed notebooks and documentation for reproducibility.
• Contribute to grants, manuscripts, and progress reports with figures and data.
• Mentor technicians, undergrads, and other junior members.

Skills

Cancer biology

Immunology

Computational analysis

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in biology

MD with lab experience

Tools

FACS sorting

Single-cell sequencing

Spatial omics

Genomics

Proteomics

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Wet Lab - Ghobrial Lab

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 stat-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.

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).

$72,000.00 - $76,385.00