What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Scientist, Cell Engineering Laboratory Lead position at Broad Institute?
The Broad Institute's Genomics Platform seeks a collaborative, versatile Senior Scientist and Laboratory Lead for its cell engineering efforts. This role involves driving cutting-edge research and development in cellular technologies, specializing in cell culture, differentiation, and gene editing techniques. Working in an exciting and fast-paced environment, the Lead will design, execute, and manage complex cell engineering projects for both internal and strategic academic and commercial partners. You will be instrumental in defining and optimizing laboratory protocols, leading a small team of researchers and scientists, and ensuring the successful execution and delivery of highly technical projects. This exceptional opportunity offers the chance to work at the forefront of new cellular and molecular technologies and applications, directly contributing to high-impact biological research.
Responsibilities include developing a deep technical understanding of cell engineering applications and scientific project needs, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with cross-functional scientific and operational stakeholders, and managing all technical aspects of laboratory operations. This ranges from project design and protocol optimization to ensuring that experiments are executed to the highest standards, on time, and within budget. The ideal candidate will hold a strong, hands-on understanding of cellular and molecular biology technologies and applications, including mammalian cell culture, iPSC differentiation, high-throughput screening, and gene editing methodologies (e.g., CRISPR). You must be comfortable designing, executing, and troubleshooting complex scientific protocols, be systems-savvy, detail-oriented, and able to work independently to anticipate the needs of the research and stakeholders. The Lead will join a core technical team engaging with scientists within and external to the organization to explore and facilitate cutting-edge functional cell and genomics projects.
Characteristic Duties
* Serves as the primary technical lead for assigned cell engineering projects, designing experimental plans, setting performance metrics, and generating technical reports and data analysis.
* Liaises with key scientific stakeholders to understand project goals, inform the development and optimization of technical protocols, champion cross-functional collaboration, and drive the implementation of research programs in alignment with scientific objectives.
* Manages and supports laboratory collaborations with a focus on scientific rigor, consensus-building, and ensuring successful technical outcomes for a range of stakeholders; facilitates the creation of comprehensive project plans which include scientific scope, technical goals, resource requirements, roles and responsibilities, and technical risk analysis.
* May lead a small team of scientists and research associates, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and ensuring efficient lab operation, including equipment maintenance and reagent inventory.
* Works with internal and external stakeholders to proactively plan for future projects, including establishing timelines, resource requirements, and logistical/scientific requirements.
* Designs and executes complex cell engineering experiments, including the culture, maintenance, and differentiation of various cell types, applying gene editing tools, and integrating with high-throughput screening and sequencing workflows.
* Ensures all laboratory projects and activities adhere to institutional guidelines with regards to safety, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards.
* Proactively anticipates, identifies, and mitigates potential technical issues during project execution; documents all experimental details and results accurately.
* Develops and maintains a strong understanding of emerging cell, genomics, and related services and scientific needs; seeks opportunities to improve technical capabilities and grow the platform's scientific impact.
Experience and Requirements
* PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Bioengineering, or a related scientific discipline with 2 years of relevant postdoctoral or industry experience; OR Master's with 7 years of related experience.
* Strong, hands-on familiarity with cell and molecular biology technologies (including mammalian cell culture, iPSC differentiation, gene editing, and sequencing workflows) and their applications is required.
* Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and execute complex scientific projects with interdisciplinary teams to effectively manage and deliver on program goals.
* Ability to adapt plans and priorities to rapidly shifting scientific goals and troubleshoot technical challenges creatively.
* Able to handle a variety of tasks and effectively solve problems as they arise.
* A high level of initiative and the ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
* Highly detail-oriented with exceptional record-keeping and data analysis skills.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
* Excellent time management, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.