Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) announced that Ross Levine, MD, has been named MSK’s new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Dr. Levine previously served as Senior Vice President of Translational Research in Memorial Hospital (MH) and holds the Edward P. Evans Endowed Chair for Myelodysplastic Syndromes at MSK. He succeeds Joan Massagué, PhD, Director of the Sloan Kettering Institute (SKI).
Ross Levine, MD
Joan Massagué, PhD
As Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Levine will be responsible for setting and leading strategies for basic and translational research, including programs, centers, and technology cores. In this role, he will be a key strategic partner to the Director of SKI and the Chief Physician Executive in managing the full spectrum of research across MSK, ensuring alignment and collaboration. He will also have oversight of the finances and operations of MSK’s research programs.
Passion for Research and Dedication to Patients
“Dr. Levine’s career as an internationally recognized leader and physician-scientist at MSK has been excellent preparation for this pivotal role,” said Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS, President and CEO of MSK. “He is highly regarded for his generous, compassionate nature and his commitment to his colleagues across MSK. Dr. Levine is also a relentless advocate for science who works tirelessly to improve outcomes for patients.”
Dr. Levine’s work focuses on understanding the genetic basis for the development of myeloid malignancies and using this insight to seek better therapies. His primary research interests include the role of JAK-STAT signaling in malignant transformation and the effects of mutations in epigenetic modifiers in clonal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia.
The Next Chapter
“Our science and scientists are core to what makes MSK special,” said Dr. Levine. “I am excited to take on this role and help MSK chart its next chapter in scientific discovery and translation. There has never been a better time to see science achieve impact.”
Since joining MSK in 2007, Dr. Levine has held several leadership roles. In 2022, he was appointed Deputy Physician-in-Chief of Translational Research at Memorial Hospital.
For more information, visit MSKCC.org.
