Research Technician - Aguirre Lab

Overview

The Aguirre lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a basic and translational oncology laboratory within the Hale Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research. We utilize 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. We actively collaborate with clinical oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, geneticists and computational biologists to perform multi-disciplinary basic and translational research.

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-over-expression experiments or RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown/knockout experiments.
• Performing detailed characterization and cellular mechanism of action studies of genetic or pharmacologic screening hits.
• Maintaining clear records of experimental work.
• Operating and maintaining lab equipment independently.
• 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.

• 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
• 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.

Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s degree is required with a major in biology, biochemistry, genetics or chemistry. 1-2 years or more of prior laboratory experience is strongly desired but not absolutely…