Senior Scientist/Associate Director/Director, Center for Patient-Derived Models (CPDM)

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Utilize and develop bioinformatics tools, cBioPortal, DepMap, and AI/ML approaches to analyze complex datasets and advance functional precision medicine platforms.
• Contribute to grant writing, progress reports, and high-impact publications in journals.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, ethical, and institutional guidelines for human subjects research and biospecimen management.
• Complete performance appraisals for direct reports.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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).
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and collaborate across disciplines.
• Experience in a core facility, center, or translational research environment is highly desirable.
• 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.

Benefits

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.

Pay

$95,000.00 - $125,100.00 per year, based on market pay structures, individual experience, skills, and qualifications.