Wellman Center for Photomedicine (Harvard)
Boston, MA
(posted: April 18, 2008)
The Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard University-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Division of Health Sciences and Technology (HST) are collaborating in the search for a candidate at either the Assistant or Associate Professor level who will establish new research programs in biomedical optics, focused on the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in areas such as (but not limited to) cancer research, infectious diseases, and imaging. The candidate will be expected to promote and foster multidisciplinary research with joint faculties within Wellman, HST, and the larger MGH and Harvard research communities.
The Wellman Center, located on the campus of the Massachusetts General Hospital, will be the primary physical location for this faculty member. The Wellman Center for Photomedicine (WCP) conducts basic and applied research to investigate the use of optical technologies in medicine and biology (www.mgh.harvard.edu/wellman); this is where the only first-line clinical application of PDT for treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration (Visudyne) was co-developed. Ongoing translational programs at WCP emphasize the development of imaging technologies, tissue optics, and new combination treatments, such as PDT with differentiation and immune therapies, and PDT of disease-specific molecular targets. Active PDT research at WCP focuses on cancer (ovarian, prostate, skin, GI, head & neck), cardiovascular and infectious diseases, immunology, and ophthalmology.
The ideal candidate would combine a record of achievement in scientific research and a demonstrated interest in translational research, with an M.D., a Ph.D., or an M.D.-Ph.D. A strong publication record and evidence of ability to obtain independent peer-reviewed funding is expected. Although there is interest in a candidate with a program in cancer biology, applicants in a wide range of research disciplines will be considered as long as there is a commitment to developing PDT research (see additional PDT program information at www.dartmouth.edu/~pdt/).
Applicants should submit the following: (i) curriculum vitae, (ii) a statement of teaching interests, (iii) a statement of research interests and goals demonstrating commitment to PDT, (iv) brief ideas of potential collaborative possibilities with WCP and HST faculty (hst.mit.edu), (v) plans for future funding, and (vi) reprints of selected recent publications. Applicants also need to make arrangements to have three letters of recommendation sent on their behalf directly to the Search Committee Chair. Although applications will be accepted until the position is filled, complete applications (with at least three references in hand) will be reviewed beginning May 30, 2008, and should be mailed to: Tayyaba Hasan, Ph.D., Chair of WCP/HST PDT Faculty Search Committee, c/o Susan Weeks, Wellman Center for Photomedicine/MGH, 40 Blossom Street BAR 604, Boston, MA 02114. Electronic versions of the application materials should also be sent to WCPFacultySearch@partners.org
Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are Equal Opportunity Employers. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.