"Research Technician"

The laboratories led by Rameen Beroukhim and Bill Kaelin seek a research assistant to spearhead collaborative, translational projects to find new ways to treat brain cancers. This project is also being led by an experienced MD-PhD physician-scientist who will provide day-to-day mentorship about both experimental and analytic strategies to move the projects forward and career development. Both Drs. Beroukhim and Kaelin are also physician scientists who will provide similar mentorship on a weekly to biweekly basis. The experiments involve a combination of high-throughput functional genomics, descriptive genomics, and work with both cell line and mouse model systems, and are aimed to identify new therapeutic targets in brain cancers that are currently always fatal.

We are looking for a person who will think independently and take ownership of their research projects. We welcome all levels of input from our research technicians, including input on the conduct of experiments but also on new experiments to conduct and new questions to ask. Research technicians in our laboratory regularly present their own work and contribute to the writing of papers and grant applications.

We view a research technician as a mentored training position, with a primary goal being the professional development of our technicians. Prior technicians have successfully pursued a variety of subsequent career directions including obtaining MDs, PhDs, MD-PhDs, and direct entry into industry.

The positions in this job family 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.

• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred.
• 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.