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.
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.
- 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.
