Pathology Research Science Manager

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

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 with technical expertise in diagnostic assay development and/or research pathology, as well as research administration, scientific writing, and project management. The Scientific Research Manager will report to the Department Chair and work closely with the Business Office of the Department of Pathology. This role requires field-specific knowledge to develop and advance new strategic directions for the department, focusing on 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 collaboration with our partnering clinical departments. The successful applicant will interact with pathology faculty, medical oncologists involved in early cancer detection and interception, technical staff in the department's Core lab, business development directors, and industry partners. The ability to lead multiple projects is essential, along with demonstrating excellent judgment in prioritizing complex and sometimes competing activities. Candidates willing to relocate to the Boston area may be considered. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life-changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care, united in the mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. The institute strives to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment, providing compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds and designing programs to promote public health, particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. In this role, the Scientific Research Manager will evaluate and establish strategy and goal setting for the department, including its Core lab, and drive the implementation of strategic initiatives. As a key thought leader, the role will partner with the department Research Operations Manager to implement strategic plans for operations, space, and equipment, identifying laboratory instrument platforms in alignment with new strategic directions. The position requires effective collaboration in a cross-organization environment with clinical investigators and industry partners to develop Pathology department support for projects requiring clinical research laboratory testing, including liquid biopsy testing and tissue-based biomarker assays. The Scientific Research Manager will also execute responsibilities for day-to-day operations in the Pathology Department Core lab and play an active role in major decision-making with department leadership.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and establish strategy and goal setting for the department and its Core lab.
• Drive implementation of the department's strategic initiatives.
• Partner with the department Research Operations Manager to implement strategic plans for operations, space, and equipment.
• Identify laboratory instrument platforms in alignment with new strategic direction.
• Collaborate with clinical investigators and industry partners to develop Pathology department support for projects requiring clinical research laboratory testing.
• Execute day-to-day operations in the Pathology Department Core lab.
• Play a key role in fundraising, visibility, and grant writing.
• Provide scientific writing and editing for grant applications and proposals.
• 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.
• Interpret complex data sets as needed.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for the Departmental Administrator.
• Participate in faculty communications, talent recruitment, 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 prior training in surgical/anatomic pathology or clinical pathology/laboratory medicine or research pathology.
• Project management experience is required.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including outstanding scientific writing and editing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects and meet defined deliverables.
• Expert knowledge of and commitment to research ethics and responsible conduct of research.
• Competent in primary Microsoft Suite applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with citation software, such as 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.
• Supervisory experience in a matrixed environment is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Inclusive and diverse work environment
• Opportunities for professional development
• Support for relocation to the Boston area if applicable