Research Scientist I, Cancer Cell Model Development and Resistance Project

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is the world's leading biomedical research institute dedicated to the bold mission of using the full power of genomics to transform the understanding and treatment of disease. We seek to describe all of the molecular components of life and their connections; discover the molecular basis of major human diseases; develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics; and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods, and data openly to the entire scientific community.

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative scientist to lead collaborative initiatives in partnership with the Cancer Dependency Map and Cancer Cell Line Factory programs and the Sellers and Getz labs at the Broad Institute. The primary goal of this role is to develop advanced laboratory cellular models to enable functional genomics, drug screening, and drug resistance studies. Our current focus is on deriving 3D models for pediatric and rare cancers, with an initial pilot to generate cancer-resistant cell lines for major oncology drugs. This work will lay the foundation for expanding cancer cell line diversity through additional grant funding and external collaborations. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, curious scientist with a strong background in cell biology, patient-derived cancer models, drug resistance research, and platform development. This position also offers the opportunity to build leadership skills while working closely with Senior Group Leaders.

Qualified candidates should have:

• A Ph.D.in a biological science (such as cell biology, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related field) and a completed or soon-to-be-completed postdoctoral fellowship in a similar field.
• Preferred 2+ years of experience as a postdoc or in the industry.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Experience in cell biology with a focus on method development, team management, and mentoring junior research associates is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Self-motivated and curious, with the ability to lead scientific research effectively.
• Demonstrated excellent problem-solving and communication skills with leadership, colleagues, and junior research associates.
• Track record of independently delivering scientific results.
• Expertise in molecular and cell biology techniques, including flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting, ELISA, HTS cell culturing, 3D cell culturing, drug testing, etc.
• Impeccable and efficient experimental design, assay development, and execution.
• Strong commitment to "leading from the bench".
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, perform detailed data analysis, and accurate record-keeping to support the cell model team members.
• Extensive experience in following and improving assay protocols is preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Lead experimental design for cell model development, implement newly developed protocols, and conduct proof-of-concept studies to evaluate feasibility and optimize workflows.
• Serve as the technical lead and subject matter expert for cell model development efforts, driving strategic improvements to enhance efficiency, success rates, and overall platform capabilities.
• Validate cell models through sequencing technologies and oversee model fidelity assessments using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and other relevant assays in collaboration with internal Scientists and Research Associates.
• Lead drug resistance modeling projects to establish oncology drug-resistant clones for functional genomics analyses.
• Manage and mentor Research Associates, fostering scientific and professional growth while ensuring high-quality data generation.
• Collaborate with Sellers Lab, Getz Lab, Cancer Dependency Map, PRISM drug screening, Cancer Genomics, and Cancer Data Sciences teams to advance research initiatives and share expertise.
• Coordinate closely with cancer genomics core staff to integrate experimental data with genomic insights for comprehensive analysis and interpretation.
• Identify opportunities for platform innovation and expansion to address emerging scientific needs and challenges.
• Partner with internal teams on large-molecule discovery and validation efforts to support broader oncology research goals.