Research Technician

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Research Technician will assist scientists in performing scientific research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity. In general, they will assist in the set up, operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations and calculating and recording results. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals. The Beltran Lab is focused on studying molecular mechanisms driving treatment resistance in prostate cancer and developing new therapeutic approaches for patients. We use genomic tools and preclinical modeling (patient derived organoid, PDX and mouse models) to elucidate the genomic landscape of disease and model its progression as seen in patients. We are specifically focused on the development of lineage plasticity and neuroendocrine prostate cancer. The candidate will perform key experiments, such as blood processing, DNA/RNA extraction, library preparation, PCR, lentiviral vector production, cell culture of cell lines and primary cells, western-blot, histology and tissue preparation for downstream analyses under supervision of Postdoc fellow(s). The candidate will be also required to perform basic laboratory duties, such as maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, preparation of solutions, organization of stocks and ordering, and organization of the lab biorepository.

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