Research Technician

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and talented technician to assist with research focusing on identifying novel therapies for treatment of Multiple Myeloma in the Anderson Laboratory at the Jerome Lipper Multiple Myeloma Center and Lebow Institute for Myeloma Therapeutics, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The technician will be an integral member of our research team and will assist scientists in performing scientific research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity. Ongoing studies include identification and validation novel molecular drug targets discovered in large cohort of patients based on epigenetic changes (specifically RNA processing), pre-clinical testing of the experimental drugs, and high throughput chemical screens on myeloma patient derived tumor cells and established cell lines.

The candidate will be expected to independently carry out essential research functions in the laboratory that include but are not limited to experience in cell and molecular biology techniques. Specifically, candidate should be well-versed in

1) Maintaining human cell tissue culture;

2) performing cytotoxicity and proliferation assays

3) Western blot analysis (immuno-precipitations and immunoblotting),  

4) Transfection/ infection experiments,

5) Flow cytometry assays and analysis (DIVA, FLOWJO) is highly preferred.  

6) RNA/DNA extractions, PCR and RT-PCR, growing/purification of plasmids (e.g. fusion constructs).

7) Candidate will carry out small animal studies as needed.

8) General lab organization as well as lab safety issues.

In addition, the candidate will be expected to make presentations at lab meetings as well as write up methods and materials, results, figure legends and constructing figures for grant proposals, progress reports, and manuscripts. The successful applicant may be included as co-author on publications derived from this work.

 

The successful candidate expected to work flexible hours in order to accommodate experimental needs.

Additional 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 as required. 
• 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.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a cancer research lab that is focused on improving the lives of cancer patients and gain valuable experience. The position is available immediately. 

• 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.

Master or Bachelor of Science required with major in biological sciences and strong background in molecular and cellular biology is preferred. Additional experience in molecular biology, handling of animals, clinical samples or primary tumors, knowledgeable in using bioinformatics tools will be viewed favorably. Proficient computer skills are expected with competency in Word, Excel, power point etc.  The applicant must be a self-starter with ability to work well within a team environment, and able to work on his/her own with minimal daily supervision.  The individual is expected to be able to multi-task and be well organized, both require good time management skills; pay careful attention to experimental details, and have excellent communication skills. English language reading, writing, and speaking skills required. We are looking for candidates who have research experience in wet lab and can start immediately.

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.