Gene editing of Hematopoietic Stem Cells Full-time

Overview

The team of Dr. Pietro Genovese, Ph.D. at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorder Center is seeking an energetic, efficient, and resourceful Postdoc candidate and a Research Fellow with a strong propensity to teamwork. The successful candidates will conduct a translational project focused on precise genetic modification of human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and lymphocytes for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for treating blood disorders or solid cancers. The research will combine advanced genetic engineering tools with state-of-the-art preclinical animal models and will benefit from a highly integrated, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment, such as that of the Harvard Medical School.

The Genovese lab is a translational gene therapy research group that exploit a variety of cutting-edge gene editing technologies (CRISPR/Cas, TALEN, ZFN, base editors, epigenetic transcriptional regulators) to develop new therapeutic strategies for inherited and onco-hematologic diseases. We couple advanced molecular and cell biology approaches, such as viral vectors design, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), next generation sequencing and ex vivo manipulation of stem cells and primary lymphocytes, with suitable preclinical models of disease to test novel therapeutics based on precision medicine both in vitro and in vivo.

The successful candidates will be team players capable of handling multiple tasks and adaptable to a fast-paced research environment. We offer advanced training in research techniques and professional skills, provide mentorship and networking opportunities, actively support your career development, and assist you with raising funds for yourself and for your projects. This will ensure that you can work efficiently and are prepared for the next step in your career.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI), located in Boston and the surrounding communities, brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, they provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; conduct research that advances treatment; educate tomorrow’s physician/researchers; reach out to underserved members of our community; and work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

The Genovese lab is part of the Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Gene Therapy Program, one the most extensive and long-running pediatric gene therapy programs, featuring a multidisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, researchers, clinical research coordinators, and program administrators.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for one project aimed at developing innovative gene therapy protocols for the treatment of inherited or acquired hematologic-disorders, such as primary immunodeficiencies, leukemias or solid cancer. Under the direct supervision of the PI, he/she will be responsible for designing, developing and implementing experimental protocols, working with animal models, mentoring and supervising undergraduate research assistants, present research results at national and international scientific meetings, contribute to grant writing and preparing papers for publication.

Qualifications

In this competitive call, we are recruiting worldwide two talented, ambitious, self-motivated and team-oriented Postdoc and Research fellow, with a recent Ph.D. or a M.Sc. in life sciences, respectively, a strong background in immunology and/or cancer biology, and a strong interest in working with advanced molecular biology techniques, in vitro and in vivo tumor models and human samples. The Research fellow will have the opportunity to apply for a PhD program after one/two year of training in the lab.

Specific skills and personal attributes required include: high energy multi-tasker, supremely organized with exquisite attention to detail, exemplary communication skills, computer and technology savvy, strong expertise with molecular and cellular biology. Advanced skills in with molecular cloning and cytofluorimetric analyses are required. Experience in gene therapy/gene editing, protein engineering, hematopoiesis, immunology, next generation sequencing and/or mouse models will be an asset. Strong academic track record, including publications (published, submitted or in preparation) is required for the postdoctoral position.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) offers competitive compensation (based on qualification, experience and responsibilities adopted) and unmatched benefits. DFCI 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 groups as protected by law.

The positions are available starting from February 1st, 2022. To apply, please send a single PDF, containing your cover letter, CV, and a concise description of your research interests to pietro_genovese@dfci.harvard.edu. Please also arrange for two-three letters of recommendation.

Tagged as: Life Sciences