Research Technician

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. We are in search of a highly motivated and capable Research Technician to join the Aguirre laboratory as part of an interdisciplinary effort to identify new drug targets for pancreatic cancer and to evaluate new therapeutic strategies in patient-derived organoid models of pancreatic cancer. 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. Responsibilities will include evaluating pancreatic cancer cell survival upon CRISPR-Cas9 knockout of essential genes, testing therapeutic sensitivity on organoid models, 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. Lentiviral transduction techniques for ORF-overexpression experiments or RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown/knockout experiments. Performing detailed characterization and cellular mechanism of action studies of genetic or pharmacologic screening hits. 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. 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. 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 characteristics protected by law. EEOC Poster