Pathology Research Science Manager

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Boston, MA

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Boston, MA

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Department of Pathology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is seeking an experienced M.D. or Ph.D. scientist to fill the role of Scientific Research Manager. This position requires technical expertise in diagnostic assay development and/or research pathology, along with a strong background in research administration, scientific writing, and project management. The successful candidate will report directly to the Department Chair and will collaborate closely with the Business Office of the Department of Pathology. The primary focus of this role is to develop and advance new strategic directions for the department, which includes creating infrastructure and workflows to support diagnostic innovations at the Institute. Additionally, the Scientific Research Manager will be responsible for developing scientific and educational programs in partnership with clinical departments. In this role, the successful applicant will interact with a variety of stakeholders, including pathology faculty, medical oncologists focused on early cancer detection, technical staff in the department's Core lab, business development directors, and industry partners. The ability to lead multiple projects effectively is crucial, as is the capacity to prioritize complex and sometimes competing activities. The position is hybrid, requiring 2-3 days onsite each week, and is located at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, a leader in cancer research and patient care. The Scientific Research Manager will evaluate and establish strategies and goals for the department, driving the implementation of strategic initiatives. This includes collaborating with the Research Operations Manager to implement plans for operations, space, and equipment, as well as identifying laboratory instrument platforms that align with the department's new strategic direction. The role also involves executing day-to-day operations in the Pathology Department Core lab and participating in major decision-making processes with department leadership. Furthermore, the manager will play a key role in fundraising, visibility, and grant writing, providing scientific writing and editing for various proposals and agreements. The position requires the development and maintenance of project tracking systems, progress reporting, and the preparation of status reports for key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and establish strategy and goal setting for the department and drive implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Research Operations Manager to implement strategic plans for operations, space, and equipment.
• Identify laboratory instrument platforms in alignment with new strategic direction and institute initiatives.
• Work effectively in a cross-organization environment with clinical investigators and industry partners.
• Execute day-to-day operations in the Pathology Department Core lab and participate in major decision-making processes.
• Play a key role in fundraising, visibility, and grant writing.
• Provide scientific writing and editing for grant applications, assay development proposals, and research agreements.
• Develop websites and materials for Innovations and Philanthropy offices.
• Maintain project tracking systems, progress reporting, and deliverable tracking.
• Prepare and present status reports to key stakeholders.
• Assist with new assay and protocol development and interpret complex data sets as needed.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for the Departmental Administrator and participate in faculty communications and event planning.

Requirements

• M.D. with specialty training in pathology and research experience, and/or a Ph.D. is required.
• 5 years of experience with technical knowledge in pathology, including training in surgical/anatomic pathology or clinical pathology/laboratory medicine or research pathology.
• Project management experience is required.
• Supervisory experience is strongly preferred in a matrixed environment.
• Excellent judgement and demonstrated ability to prioritize complex activities.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including scientific writing and editing.
• Competent in primary Microsoft Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with citation software (e.g., Endnote) and software for data and image analysis is needed.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in an academic institution is preferred.
• Experience migrating and scaling diagnostic assays from research settings to clinical or clinical-research settings is preferred.