Research Associate II - The Gerstner Center

Broad Institute•Cambridge, MA

16d•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 needed to translate blood biopsy assays to patients. The role is part of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, medical oncologists, and computational biologists across the Broad Institute, MIT, Harvard, and affiliated hospitals. The successful candidate will have opportunities to engage with cutting-edge science through meetings, symposia, and interactions with colleagues and collaborators, and to help establish impactful new methods. The Research Associate provides daily care and health monitoring for mice and rats and performs in vivo procedures under approved IACUC protocols. Procedures include tumor cell implantation, dosing and administration, imaging, sample collection, humane endpoints, tissue harvesting, and sample processing. The role also requires regulatory compliance, accurate animal and experimental records, and collaboration with lab members and collaborators 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 ways to diagnose and monitor patients with cancer.
Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently 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 in mice and rats under approved IACUC protocols, including subcutaneous, orthotopic, and metastatic tumor cell implantation.
Dose and administer treatments, including by oral gavage and IP/IV injection.
Perform IVIS imaging and collect samples, including retro-orbital blood draws and tissue fluid sampling, using appropriate handling, anesthesia, and analgesia.
Perform humane endpoint procedures and tissue harvesting in accordance with 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.
Perform other related tasks as required.