Research Technician-2

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute•Boston, MA

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to join our scientific research team studying mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression as well as novel therapeutic targets. This role contributes to current laboratory-based projects using functional genomics, organoids and single cell approaches to understand oncogene cooperation and combination therapies. The candidate will work with a mentor to assist in the generation and cultivation of 3D models from primary human tumors and cell lines and help in the characterization of cell surface marker expression using a variety of immunological assays combined with biochemical and molecular biology techniques. They will perform extensive cell and tissue culture, basic molecular biology techniques relating to DNA/RNA and protein work (cloning, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, protein purification, etc…). In addition, the successful candidate will perform modern functional perturbation techniques including lentiviral knockdown and genome editing tools to validate candidate targets. The candidate will additionally assist with overall lab management including inventory maintenance, reagent tracking, common stock reagent preparation and other related organizational tasks as needed.

Requirements

Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred
Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff
Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems
Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks
Ability to work within a team environment
The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or chemistry, with no prior professional experience necessary. Candidates will learn and apply technical principles, processes, and concepts, use institutional policies to address routine issues, and work on problems of limited scope. The role involves following standard practices to analyze situations or data and building stable internal working relationships.

Responsibilities

Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment
Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas and may be responsible for ordering of supplies. Collaborates with Purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with vendors
Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, drugs, and animals
Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination
Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings, including grant preparation and presentations, and look for opportunities to co-author publications. May be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff
Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required
Maintains detailed notebook of all work-related activities
Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to each laboratory
Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications
May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures
Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties
May be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy
May be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems
May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets