Scientific Research Lead, Head-RNA Therapeutics Lab at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

The people of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) are united by a singular mission: ending cancer for life. Our specialized care teams provide personalized, compassionate, expert care to patients of all ages. Informed by basic research done at our Sloan Kettering Institute, scientists across MSK collaborate to conduct innovative translational and clinical research that is driving a revolution in our understanding of cancer as a disease and improving the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat it. MSK is dedicated to training the next generation of scientists and clinicians, who go on to pursue our mission at MSK and around the globe. 

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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is seeking an accomplished, motivated, and innovative individual to head its RNA Therapeutics Laboratory. The Head of the RNA Therapeutics Laboratory will lead a laboratory team envisioned as the nexus for R&D activities in the newly established Center for Cancer Vaccines at MSK, a key pillar in MSK’s immuno-oncology transformation.

Role Overview:

• Oversee creation of an independent, end-to-end mRNA vaccine pipeline at MSK, encompassing vaccine platform optimization and GMP manufacturing for clinical use
• Lead/oversee RNA vaccine design and process development (e.g., modifications to optimize the mRNA template, structure, stability, production through techniques, such as in vitro transcription, purification, and encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles
• Lead/oversee RNA vaccine quality control, which paired with research and technology development, will develop and optimize analytical assays to evaluate the quality and efficacy of mRNA vaccines
• Transfer these assays, when appropriate, to the GMP-Therapeutics Core Facility, and collaboratively support vaccine manufacturing.
• Provide oversight and leadership to the technical staff
• Set the short-, medium- and long-term scientific directions of the laboratory by evaluating emerging technologies together with the needs of MSK scientists, physicians, and the overall scientific direction of the Center for Cancer Vaccines
• Operational responsibilities encompass oversight of advanced methods development, scientific consultation, and liaising with the scientific community to grow a sustainable state-of-the-art operation
• Responsible for the financial and human resource management (e.g., hiring, training, mentoring, and staff career development)
• Working hand in hand with the MSK GMP-Therapeutics Core Facility, the candidate is expected to align the lab’s mission with the institutional strategic goals and will report to the Cancer Vaccine Center director and a faculty oversight committee. 

Key Qualifications:  

• A Ph.D. in immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in the academic or commercial sector.
• Hands-on experience working in experimental mRNA vaccine biology, and clinical development of GMP-grade mRNA vaccines; experiences with new assay development is highly desired.
• Expertise in mRNA customization, synthesis, and purification
• Expertise in mRNA-LNP platforms, cGMP process flow, and analytical panel development; experience with IND applications highly desired
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Experience managing laboratory staff and overseeing day-to-day laboratory operations essential

Core Skills:

• A highly experienced and skilled scientist, with sharp focus, attention to detail, and good decision-making skills
• A quick learner and strong problem-solver who sees “the forest and the trees” and can quickly identify anomalies in data and uncover their source
• Adept at multitasking, planning, prioritizing, and re-prioritizing work to meet goals and commitments with minimal supervision in a dynamic environment
• A highly motivated person capable of building strong relationships within the lab and with internal and external collaborators
• Someone with a strong background of mentorship who is interested in the success of others and willing to evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback as a manager
• An outstanding communicator and clear presenter, capable of determining how best to reach different audiences and executing such communications, whether it be internal lab meetings or institutional seminars
• A creative thinker and strategic planner who can think outside the box
• Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances

Additional Information:

• Location: 417 E 68^th St, NYC #LI-Onsite
• Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm 
• Reporting to: Director, Center of Cancer Vaccines

Salary Range: $109,000- $174,000

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