Scientific Manager, Bertarelli Rare Cancer Initiative

Job Description

The Scientific Manager for the Bertarelli Rare Cancers Initiative (BRCI) at Harvard will report directly to the Co‑Directors and coordinate all phases of BRCI‑funded research and collaborative scientific activities of the Initiative. In close coordination with the Co‑Directors, this position will integrate basic, translational, and clinical research projects across the BRCI‑funded activities at Harvard (including Harvard Medical School, HMS‑affiliated Hospitals, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and any other Harvard Schools and Departments), as well as with collaborating institutions outside of Harvard.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Execute implementation of the BRCI scientific vision, long‑range scientific plan, and research priorities; design collaboration strategy for BRCI‑funded investigators, including developing project groups, organizing symposia, creating scientific content for the website, or other research activities.
• Interact regularly with BRCI‑funded investigators to enable achievement of both collaborative and individual research goals, including acquisition of resources, securing regulatory and compliance approvals, enabling data sharing agreements, material transfer agreements, and institutional approvals across collaborating sites, communicating timely news, research opportunities, and ongoing activities and events, and aligning program activities across BRCI research projects.
• Establish and manage processes for new project proposal submission and review, and track research progress reports, publications, external funding, and other benchmark data; analyze actual milestone achievements against stated goals for individual researchers and teams, and keep Co‑Directors regularly informed about project progress.
• Write and present program reports, study reports, and scientific briefings for key stakeholders internal to HMS, external funders, and collaborators, including preparing externally facing public symposium presentations and presentations to funding agencies.
• In conjunction with a grant manager(s), jointly monitor project budgets and financial reporting for funded research activities within individual BRCI research groups and across multi‑investigator projects, and create purchase orders for external vendors as needed.
• Actively participate in BRCI meetings organized by the HMS Dean’s Office and foster key relationships with the administrative offices of HMS departments and affiliated institutions as needed.
• Potentially supervise individuals contracted or hired to support BRCI.
• Other tasks as assigned.

• PhD required.
• 7+ years of cancer‑related laboratory, clinical research or related experience.

• At least 5 years in project and/or lab management, or similar qualifications preferred.
• Prior teaching and collaborative cancer research experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of cancer biology, knowledge and experience with the spectrum of cancer research from fundamental discovery to clinical development and understanding of academic research processes.
• Strong knowledge of scientific and research principles, methodologies, and experimental design.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific project management across multidisciplinary research teams.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to effectively engage with a broad array of senior scientists.
• Exceptional scientific communication and writing skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently as a self‑starter with exceptional collaborative skills and focus on team science.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information to diverse audiences, including clinicians, basic scientists, and non‑scientific stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams and mentor trainees and early‑stage career scientists, and to assist in resolving complex scientific and logistical issues.
• Outstanding ability to work independently and balance multiple research projects and timelines simultaneously.
• Strong ability to work…