Scientist I – Lindsley Lab

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, MA

Full Time

A Research Scientist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Coleman Lindsley (https://lindsleylab.dana-farber.org/) at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Harvard Medical School. We use interdisciplinary approaches at the interface of genomics and molecular biology to understand the mechanisms of human disease, with the aim of translating these insights into novel therapies for patients with cancer.

This position will involve studying the mechanisms by which epigenetic dysregulation promotes development of leukemia, with an emphasis on the Polycomb repressive complex function (PRC). This lab-based research effort builds on our clinical discoveries linking PRC1.1 inactivation to poor prognosis and differential response to standard and novel treatments and our mechanistic studies describing how specific gene mutations disrupt PRC1.1 complex assembly to impair repressive function and drive epigenetic reprogramming of leukemia target genes that mediate oncogenic signaling. 

 Responsibilities

The Research Scientist will be engaged in basic and translational studies supporting a range of projects, including: 

• Defining the role of PRC1.1 in normal and malignant hematopoiesis using mouse models,
• Understanding the kinetics and dynamics of epigenetic changes following PRC1.1 disruption using targeted protein degradation models.
• Determining the influence of co-occurring gene mutations in RNA splicing and transcription factors on PRC target gene regulation using multi-omic approaches.
• Development of novel therapies for PRC-altered leukemias using large-scale screening approaches. 

Such projects will integrate analysis of primary human samples with studies using engineered mouse and cell line models. Technical skills involving tissue culture, mouse models, and standard molecular and cell biology methods are required. Some specific examples of roles include:

• Planning and execution of in vivo experiments in genetically engineered mouse models 
  • Bone marrow transplantation
  • Drug Treatments
• Analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow stem cells using flow cytometry and cytology
• Application of “omic” technology including DNA/RNA sequencing and epigenetic profiling including ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&TAG
• Isogenic cell line generation and validation using CRISPR
• High-throughput screening methods using CRISPR and drug treatments

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has strong leadership qualities, is collegial, creative, and highly motivated, with a strong record of productivity during graduate training. The Research Scientist will be responsible for working closely in a leadership capacity with a team of post-docs, students, and research technicians to conduct experiments and analyze, present, and publish research findings. The role has the following requirements:

• Ph.D. required in biological sciences or equivalent major
• Strong leadership skills and experience working in teams.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, team-centered mentality, and a passion for developing new therapeutic approaches for cancer.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Background in molecular and/or cell biology, biochemistry, genomics, cancer biology, or computational biology.

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://careers.dana-farber.org/scientist-i-lindsley-lab1

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

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.

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 equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse 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.