The Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO) of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) carries out clinical trials to test new therapies that activate components of the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, which is a rapidly growing field of oncology. The Tissue Biomarker Lab (TBL) is a research team within the CIO that is responsible for developing and applying new analytical methods on human biopsy samples to determine the biological underpinnings of successful responses to immunotherapy through a detailed characterization of the tumor microenvironment prior to and following immunotherapy. With supervision from a Lead Scientist and Principal Investigator, the research technician will carry out quantitative, image-based spatial characterization of immune and cancer cells within patient biopsy samples. The research technician will be expected to work both as part of a team and independently to determine the best approaches to carry out the required analyses and to interpret resulting data. Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.
- Perform technical procedures such as chromogenic immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, and prepare samples for advanced microscopic methods.
- Develop and test new immunostaining assays, workflows and instruments for highly multiplexed analyses of cancer tissues.
- Operate advanced laboratory instruments and equipment, especially automated tissue stainers, multiplex fluorescence and light microscopes, and multiplex ion beam imaging (MIBI).
- Develop and apply computer-based quantitative approaches to assess multiplex immunostained tissue samples utilizing commercial and custom image analysis software under supervision of the PI, Lead Scientist, and Lead Computational Biologist.
- Perform procedures involving isolation and quantification of nucleic acids such as isolation of DNA and RNA from fixed tissues.
- Keep detailed records and maintain databases containing experimental results and reagent information.
- Prepare and present written or oral progress reports describing studies and results, including assembly, organization and interpretation of data.
- Order chemicals, reagents and other laboratory supplies.
- Maintain a clean, orderly work area within the laboratory.
- May demonstrate and explain various laboratory techniques to laboratory personnel, students and others.
- Perform all other duties and responsibilities as directed.
- Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology, chemistry, immunology, or biomedical engineering is preferred.
- Candidates with a background or experience in computational biology would also be considered.
- Experience working in a laboratory environment required.
- Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining experience is preferred but not required.
- Knowledge of either biology, chemistry, molecular biology, or biomedical research approaches is required.
- Understanding of how to apply quantitative approaches to scientific experiments is required, computer programming experience a plus.
- Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be proactive in seeking answers to questions.
- Ability to analyze information and use logical approaches when problem-solving.
- Must have excellent attention to detail and be thorough in completing tasks.
- Ability to work within a team environment.
- Willingness to spend 2-years, minimum, in the position.
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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