"Research Technician"

The Aguirre lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a basic and translational oncology laboratory with a focus on gastrointestinal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. We utilize a variety of genomic, functional genetic and molecular biology approaches to identify novel therapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer and to test these strategies in patient-derived models or genetically engineered mouse models of the disease. We actively collaborate with clinical oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, geneticists and computational biologists to perform multi-disciplinary translational research.

We are in search of a highly motivated and capable Senior Research Technician to join the Aguirre lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to work with both animal models and organoids of pancreatic cancer and to test new therapeutic strategies in these models. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in cancer biology and therapeutics and will function as part of a multidisciplinary basic science and translational team. The candidate will work closely with team scientists to perform preclinical therapeutic studies in animal models of pancreatic cancer. Responsibilities may include basic mechanistic studies of new therapeutic targets using gain- and loss-of-function genetic approaches, testing therapeutic sensitivity on organoid models, animal modeling of pancreatic cancer, and studying the genetic and phenotypic predictors of therapeutic response in preclinical models and human samples from clinical trials.

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.

• Working with a team of experimental and computational biologists to perform experiments and interpret data.
• Maintaining cell lines and isolating primary cells for use in cell based assays.
• Performing a variety of basic cancer biology assays, including in vitro proliferation or apoptosis assays, drug sensitivity assays, soft agar assays, in vivo xenograft experiments.
• 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. Will be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff.
• Ability to effectively work in a supervised team to accomplish common goals.
• Troubleshooting and solving scientific problems jointly with supervision.
• Effectively organizing, reporting and communicating study outcome in cross-functional project teams and working across various platforms and programs to achieve results
• 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 monitoring laboratory budgets.
• Working jointly investigating and implementing new technologies based on scientific needs
• Organize, maintain, and document laboratory inventories and biobank samples in accordance with laboratory standards.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• 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.
• A proven record of successful interactions within multidisciplinary teams.
• Significant experience in cell culture techniques including use of established cancer cell lines and primary human cells. Organoid culture experience is desirable but not required.
• Molecular and cell biology experience is required with emphasis on techniques such as tissue culture approaches, cloning, real-time PCR, western blotting, FACS.
• Cancer biology experience is desired with special emphasis on cell-based assays for cancer cell therapeutic sensitivity testing.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment and perform laboratory work with independence
• Ability to critically read, interpret, and adapt scientific literature and significantly contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• A strong scientific curiosity and a "can-do" attitude is required to be successful for this position.
• The successful candidate will be a results-focused, team-oriented, creative, bench scientist, able to excel in a fast-track environment. He or she must be self-motivated, detail-oriented and exhibit strong problem solving skills. In addition, the successful candidate should be a clear and effective communicator, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills to enable collaboration with project teams, peers, and management in identifying and achieving research goals.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree or Masters degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred. 2-4 years related work experience. More experienced applicants who have worked for several years as a professional scientist or research technician are also encouraged to apply and would be considered at an appropriate level of compensation and benefits. Developing technical expertise, applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues. Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Builds productive internal/external working relationships.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No direct supervisory responsibilities required but the candidate will be asked to help train additional laboratory members when applicable and will be offered leadership opportunities when appropriate. The candidate will work closely with a team of post-doctoral fellows, clinical fellows, graduate students, and more junior research technicians.

PATIENT CONTACT:

None