Career Center

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) and Deerfield Management have created the Center for Protein Degradation (CPD) at DFCI. The CPD has created a next-generation protein degrader and molecular glue platform to advance novel therapeutic modalities. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a newly founded research center that is pushing the boundaries of targeted protein degradation research and accelerating the translation of basic science into clinical solutions.?? Join our highly interactive team of scientists where we are creating new avenues of therapeutic intervention.

CPD believes...

• learning is paramount, failure is necessary to succeed, and humility is an asset.??
• every individual should have the opportunity to provide and solicit feedback, and asking for help is a strength.
• in helping others succeed ??? we celebrate our successes together and recognize the contributions of the team.
• in scientific excellence, challenging dogma, and asking ???WHY????.
• our research must push scientific boundaries and accelerate the discovery of transformational medicines.

The Center for Protein Degradation (CPD) seeks a highly motivated individual to join the biochemistry team as a SCIENTIST focusing on the use of cryo-EM and other structural biology techniques to determine the structures of protein complexes that advance the development of small molecule degraders and molecular glues. The individual will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to validate new targets and support structure-based drug design for compound optimization. The candidate will also provide insights that impact the direction of our research, such as scientific diligence for new target nominations, while also driving lab-based innovations. The individual will regularly present progress to the rest of the group and leadership.????????

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 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, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Design constructs for protein expression in bacterial, insect and mammalian cells
• Independently plan, manage, and perform purifications of protein complexes for structural studies
• Prepare cryo-EM grids, collect data and solve structures of protein complexes to support multiple molecular glue discovery projects
• Contribute to structure-based drug design of molecular glues
• Help to establish in-house cryo-EM capabilities from gene to structure
• Train research associates and other scientific staff in methods/techniques
• Develop project proposals, timelines, and resource needs, working closely with the Portfolio Manager and leadership. Monitor milestones and ensure deliverables are completed on time
• Develop, implement, and deliver mechanistic insights into the molecular mode of action of targeted degraders and molecular glues
• Work closely with chemistry, biology, computational, and proteomics teams to guide compound optimization and project progression
• Prepare presentations and present project status and outcomes at internal and external meetings
• Interact and liaise with internal and experts, academic groups, and CROs to establish collaborations and projects
• Pursue opportunities to publish and present your research externally
• Maintain clear and accurate records of experimental work (e.g., experimental methods, results/findings)

• PhD degree in biochemistry, structural biology or a related discipline
• Expertise in Cryo-EM
• Extensive knowledge in structural biology, protein biochemistry and protein purification
• Experience in recombinant protein expression in bacterial, insect and/or mammalian cells
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Scientific drive; proven track record of publications in peer reviewed journals
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collaborative environment
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills; strong attention to detail

Desirable

• 2+ years of postdoctoral experience
• Experience with biophysical assay design and implementation
• Experience with protein X-ray crystallography is a plus

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.?? As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.?? Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 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.