Research Scientist I - Sabeti Lab Diagnostics Group in Cambridge

About the Broad

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is the world’s leading biomedical research institute dedicated to the bold mission of using the full power of genomics to transform the understanding and treatment of disease. The Broad Institute seeks to describe all of the molecular components of life and their connections; discover the molecular basis of major human diseases; develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics; and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods, and data openly to the entire scientific community.

Founded in 2004, the Broad Institute includes faculty, professional staff, and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities and beyond, with collaborations spanning more than a hundred private and public institutions in more than 40 countries worldwide.

About the Sabeti Lab

The Sabeti Lab at Harvard University and the Broad Institute develops and uses cutting-edge experimental techniques to study pathogen evolution, diagnosis and prevention of infectious disease. We are developing CRISPR-based technologies, including those to diagnose infectious diseases, with the aim of creating a rapid development platform for both highly multiplexed (CARMEN) and widely deployable (SHINE) viral diagnostics.

We seek a highly motivated individual to work closely with researchers in the Diagnostics Team of the Sabeti Lab at The Broad Institute. The ability to communicate effectively, work well in a team setting, and a strong desire to contribute to translational research is required. The applicant will help to develop PCR and CRISPR-based diagnostic assays and expand upon these technologies to work as front-line surveillance tools targeting multiple pathogens in various West African countries. This position will focus on developing these tools to be used and widely deployed at the point of care. The position offers an excellent opportunity to participate in a dynamic research environment in an exciting fast-paced field of research. This position will allow for professional advancement, skill development, and authorship on high-impact publications.

Key Responsibilities:

• This individual will work with the diagnostic team within the Sabeti Lab at the Broad Institute.
• The Research Scientist will have the following responsibilities:
• Work independently and with team members to design and carry out experiments essential to the individual project and the group’s collective success.
• Consult the literature, supervisor, and other scientific staff as needed to troubleshoot experiments.
• Investigate, learn, and develop new methods and technologies that might be relevant to the project.
• Maintain detailed experimental records, documentation, and written protocols.
• Regularly communicate results and roadblocks in experimental lab work to the wider diagnostic team.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
• High level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team.
• Ability to think creatively to solve problems.
• Interest in or previous experience developing point-of-care assays or translational technologies.
• Experience with one or more of the following techniques is also preferred: nucleic acid isothermal amplification, molecular assay design, viral diagnostics, CRISPR applications, quantitative data analysis.

Requirements:

• PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field with 0+ years of related work experience.
• Candidates should have strong, proven communication and wet lab skills, work well in a team setting, and a strong desire to learn new methods.
• Proven ability to engage with collaborators and influence without direct supervisory authority and proactively anticipate, identify, and mitigate potential issues before they arise.
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively with an emphasis on strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong interest in work-related travel to implement technology at partner sites.

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law. At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.