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.

CHARACTERISTIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Conduct bench level experiments to support the goals of scientific research in pediatric cancer and immune cell biology
  • Maintain cell lines and isolate primary cells for use in cell based assays
  • Performing a variety of basic immune and cancer cell biology assays, including in vitro proliferation or apoptosis assays, drug sensitivity assays, flow cytometry and western blotting, in vivo xenograft experiments
  • Performing a variety of molecular biology assays- cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA isolation
  • Lentiviral transduction techniques for ORF-overexpression experiments or CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown/knockout experiments
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to complete investigations
  • Prepare, order, and maintain stocks of necessary reagents, solutions and supplies
  • Document, compile, and analyze experimental data. Troubleshoot and solve scientific problems with supervision
  • Report data in oral and written formats
  • 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 designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy. 
  • Participate in team meetings for experimental planning, discussion of projects and general learning
  • Participate in research meetings at the DFCI and Boston Children’s Hospital

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Technician

No supervisory responsibilities.  Normally receives detailed instructions on all work.

• • Bachelor’s degree in Biology or related field required, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 1-2 years prior laboratory experience is strongly desired but not absolutely required. More experienced applicants who have worked for multiple 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.
  • A history of hard work and sound academic achievement is required.
  • Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques and principles of molecular biology
  • Experience working in a medical or scientific research setting or comparable technology-oriented business environment
  • Knowledge of computers and experience with databases
  • Ability to analyze information and use logical reasoning to address work-related issues and problems.
  • Ability to work within a team environment.
  • Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment required
  • We are looking for candidates with a minimum of two years of availability. Candidates with laboratory technician experience and those potentially interested in a long term position are encouraged to apply.

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.

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other groups as protected by law.

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