Post-doctoral Research Fellow - Drug Discovery, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry

Mass General Brigham • Boston, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Shalhout Lab at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to contribute to cancer drug discovery. The lab combines experimental and computational biology to develop innovative approaches to treating cancer. The fellow will design, execute, analyze, and interpret experiments that support therapeutic discovery, working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and collaborating with researchers and medicinal chemistry and computational teams.

The role includes developing and performing biophysical, biochemical, cell-based, and molecular biology experiments; purifying and characterizing proteins; investigating protein–protein and protein–ligand interactions; validating drug-discovery hits and optimizing leads; and studying binding sites and mechanisms of action. The fellow will analyze and present research findings in lab meetings, publications, and conferences, and collaborate on projects connecting experimental data with translational cancer research.

This is an onsite, regular position at 20 Staniford Street, with a day shift and 40 scheduled weekly hours. The position does not involve patient care. The listed annual salary range is $71,750–$73,544.

Requirements

• MD or PhD in a relevant field, such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cancer Biology, or a related discipline; experience cannot substitute for the degree.
• Three to five years of previous research experience.
• Strong track record of peer-reviewed publications in areas such as drug discovery, small-molecule therapeutics, or translational oncology research.
• Demonstrated experience with research techniques, methods, or areas relevant to the project.
• Proficient analytical skills and proficiency in statistical software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Basic understanding of biostatistics.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in small-molecule drug discovery, molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or chemistry.
• Strong wet-lab skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and perform biophysical and biochemical assays, including protein purification, binding and interaction studies, cell reporter assays, and enzymatic assays.
• Purify and characterize proteins for structural and functional studies.
• Design and perform protein–protein and protein–ligand interaction studies, such as SPR, ITC, pull-downs, and FRET.
• Conduct cell-based functional assays, including reporter assays and qPCR, and characterize signaling pathways.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including cloning, mutagenesis, and protein expression.
• Conduct mutagenesis and structure–function studies to map binding sites and mechanisms of action.
• Support hit validation and lead optimization through iterative testing of small molecules.
• Collaborate with medicinal chemistry and computational teams to prioritize candidates and refine drug design.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, and present findings in lab meetings, publications, and conferences.
• Collaborate with team members on projects linking experimental data to translational cancer research.
• Design, plan, and execute research experiments or projects in alignment with departmental goals.
• Conduct literature reviews to inform research directions and methodologies.
• Prepare and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences and seminars.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, students, and researchers, and mentor graduate and undergraduate students in research methods and techniques.
• Assist with grant proposals and funding applications, and prepare reports summarizing research progress and outcomes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree