Research Scientist II

Massachusetts General Hospital
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
600 Main Street (Show on map)
Jan 01, 2025
The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment. The Kwon Lab is a group of highly motivated and collaborative scientists from the fields of immunology, microbiology, virology, and bioinformatics who perform translational research to treat and prevent human disease. At every level we value integrity, intelligence, dedication, teamwork, inclusivity, and creativity, and we're always looking for people with those skills who thrive in dynamic team environments. We are passionate about understanding the relationship between immune responses at mucosal surfaces and interactions with microbes within a global health context. Under the direction of the principal investigator, the candidate will develop and lead a research program within the Kwon Lab. This includes creating a research strategy along with the PI, identifying and nurturing talented trainees at multiple levels, planning and executing experiments, analyzing results, and communicating findings within and outside of the lab. The focus of the candidate's research within the Kwon Lab is open to areas of interest to the group, which could include mechanistic work in mucosal immunology, host-microbe interactions in the cervicovaginal tract or gut, bioinformatics, and/or microbiology in the context of the gut or female genital tract microbiomes. This position is based at our new state-of-the-art facility in Cambridge, MA and is a part of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard Medical School. It will also involve research and capacity building at our site at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, South Africa. Specific responsibilities include the following: Job Duties: In collaboration with the PI, develop a mechanistic, translational research program that addresses important unanswered health questions and leverages the unique resources of the Kwon Lab Identify, nurture, and supervise trainees at all levels with a focus on supporting personal growth and transitioning toward greater research independence Communicate results both within the lab and externally through publications and conference presentations Assist the PI in developing overarching strategic planning for the broader group Perform administrative duties related to lab management and culture development Actively promote a welcoming and collaborative lab culture within the Kwon Lab When appropriate, apply for outside sources of funding Minimum Qualifications Doctorate degree with 3 or more years of postdoctoral experience in immunology, bioinformatics, microbiology and/or related fields Experience with mentoring and management in a laboratory setting Demonstrated integrity, excellence, accountability, and teamwork Excellent written and oral communications skills High impact publications as first or senior author from doctoral and postdoctoral research Preferred Qualifications Demonstrated ability to identify and develop talent Demonstrated scientific creativity and ability to independently develop new areas of investigation Prior experience obtaining independent funding The above job description details the major duties and qualifications of the listed position. The individual hired to this position confirms that they are able to perform all duties outlined. Although the specific duties and responsibilities of this position may vary slightly, the supervisor of this position will ensure that the individual hired to this position is trained and qualified to complete each task assigned. Additional_Job_Description The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.