Research Associate II - The Gerstner Center

Broad Institute•Cambridge, MA

18d•$58,000 - $80,667•Onsite

About The Position

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is seeking a Research Associate to support preclinical development of diagnostic drugs for liquid-biopsy cancer detection and monitoring within the Gerstner Center for Cancer Diagnostics and Broad Cancer Program. The position uses animal models to optimize and apply methods for tracking circulating tumor DNA in blood, generating preclinical evidence to help translate blood-biopsy assays to patients. The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, medical oncologists, and computational biologists across the Broad Institute, MIT, Harvard, and affiliated hospitals. The role provides exposure to current research through meetings, symposia, and collaboration, and contributes to establishing new methods. The Research Associate provides daily care and health monitoring for mice and rats and performs in vivo procedures under approved protocols. These include tumor cell implantation in subcutaneous, orthotopic, and metastatic models; dosing and administration, including oral gavage and IP/IV injections; IVIS imaging; blood draws and tissue-fluid sampling; humane endpoint procedures; tissue harvesting; and processing tumor, blood, and tissue samples. The role also requires compliance with animal-care standards and regulations, accurate recordkeeping, and collaboration with lab members to design, conduct, analyze, and troubleshoot experiments.

Requirements

B.S. in biomedical sciences or a related field with at least 2 years of experience, or an M.S. with hands-on experience in mouse handling, tumor implantation, in vivo drug dosing, in vivo imaging, and blood sampling.
Motivation to develop better methods for diagnosing and monitoring patients with cancer.
Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a highly collaborative team setting.
Working knowledge of IACUC protocols and laboratory animal care and use regulations.

Nice To Haves

AALAS certification (ALAT/LAT).

Responsibilities

Provide daily care and health monitoring for laboratory mice and rats in coordination with vivarium staff.
Perform in vivo procedures under approved IACUC protocols, including tumor cell implantation in subcutaneous, orthotopic, and metastatic models.
Administer doses using procedures such as oral gavage and IP/IV injections.
Conduct IVIS imaging and collect samples, including retro-orbital blood draws and tissue-fluid samples, using appropriate animal handling, anesthesia, and analgesia.
Perform humane endpoint procedures and tissue harvesting according to approved protocols; process tumor, blood, and tissue samples.
Follow IACUC protocols, AAALAC standards, and USDA and institutional regulations, and promptly report animal health or welfare concerns to veterinary staff.
Maintain accurate digital health records, daily census logs, room documentation, and detailed experimental records.
Work with lab members and collaborators to design, conduct, analyze, and troubleshoot in vivo experiments.
Complete other related tasks as required.