The Senior Translational Research Project Manager (TRPM) is responsible for project management and research management needs of the Smith Lab for Gene and Cell Engineering along with the IMmunotherapy Platform for Antibody, CAR, and mRNA Therapeutics discovery and Translation (IMPACT²). The Smith Lab and IMPACT2 share the goals of developing and accelerating immunotherapies for cancer from the lab to the clinic. The Smith Lab is a traditional academic pre-clinical lab with a history of taking novel immunotherapies from concept all the way through first-in-human trials. IMPACT² is a new Mass Life Sciences Center (MLSC) funded Center at DFCI working at the interface of antibody discovery, CAR and multi-specific mAb engineering, and high throughput “hit-to-lead” screening which supports projects from multiple groups to accelerate the pre-clinical development of clinically relevant immunotherapies.

The TRPM will work closely with both groups to develop timelines and oversee the execution of research projects (often across multiple PIs) to satisfy the requirements of funding sources. 

They will further act as a liaison between the lab, external research collaborators (academic and industry), and relevant internal offices (e.g., grants, IRB, Innovations) to ensure that competing priorities align with the lab’s intellectual agenda and schedule of deliverables.

The successful applicant will possess a background in scientific research with excellent project management, communication, organization, writing, and interpersonal skills and a passion for applying science toward the therapies of tomorrow.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals. 

Project Management

• Manages project details and operations in close coordination with PI/ IMPACT2 head of research, including defining requirements, establishing timelines, ensuring adequate resources are available, evaluating and revising project plans, and advising on project issues.

• Manages relationships with funders and partners including collaborative PIs, foundations, biotechs, and pharma partners; leads collaborative meetings; writes quarterly to yearly reports for funders, as required, and ensures deliverables are met.
• Responds to internal/external inquiries and represents the lab/IMPACT2 as directed by the PI/ IMPACT2 head of research.
• Conducts searches for research scholars, including hiring and onboarding them in collaboration with the PI and departmental administration.
• Creates business processes, trains lab members in collaboration with the lab manager.
• Works with the Business Office and Faculty Support Staff as needed to ensure timely and accurate financial reports to inform PI decision-making and ensure compliance with all relevant policies and procedures.

• Assist with activities of steering committees, inter- and intra-lab meetings, including setting up review meetings, operationalization and follow up of meeting outcomes.

Research Management

• Aids in implementation of complex research projects, with focus on timelines and deliverables.
• Keeps up-to-date on advances in the field, provides input on ideas and project direction.
• Ensures project milestones are achieved by working closely with appropriate personnel (including postdocs, fellows, staff scientists, RAs, other trainees, and visitors)
• Participates in compiling/submitting grant proposals including developing internal timelines, and leading writing of budget justifications, letter drafts, and other supportive material.
• Writes and collaborates with other researchers on manuscripts, abstracts, and other publications of research findings.
• Coordinates pre-IND/IND applications to the FDA (prior experience with FDA applications not required).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong competencies in project management, planning, outsourcing, resource management and organization with the ability to coordinate multiple activities and resources, while maintaining a focus on quality.
• Familiarity with or interest/ability to rapidly become expert in PM software such as SmartSheets.
• Strong Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
• Enjoys working in an open academic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Solid analytical capabilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to produce and present clear, concise, and professionally written communications and presentations.
• Ability to function effectively and independently in a fast-paced environment, organize and prioritize work, and meet tight deadlines.

• Bachelor's degree required. Ph.D.  or Master's degree preferred.
• 7 years of excellent project management experience required with Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of project management experience required with a Master’s degree or Ph.D.
• Experience working on translational research projects preferred. 
• Experience in an academic institution is preferred.
• Project and alliance management experience in a biotech/pharma and/or academic setting.
• Experience in pooled or arrayed high throughput screening pipelines, immunology, immunotherapy, antibody discovery/development, gene engineering, genomics, computational biology, or synthetic biology preferred.

Through proper management of our programs, the TRPM will be an essential member of our team working frequently 1:1 with the PI and IMPACT Head of Research thereby being a key contributor to our succeed in translating our science into the clinic.

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. 

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