Research Technician - Wolpin-Nowak Lab

Overview

The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a research technician to focus on next-generation, translational pathology studies who will work within the Wolpin-Nowak laboratory, and as part of the Hale Family Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research and the Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Our research group investigates the biology and risk factors associated with pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers, with the aim to improve outcomes by identifying cancer earlier and by improving therapy.

We study human biospecimens to translate discoveries into improved clinical care.

Our laboratory members include epidemiologists, biostatisticians, pathologists, data scientists, molecular biologists, and clinical researchers. We employ a broad variety of analysis approaches and techniques, including population-scale epidemiology studies, digital pathology, genomic sequencing, and spatial transcriptomic and protein profiling. Our tissue profiling work encompasses clinical trial correlative studies and landscape-directed discovery studies. We collaborate with the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center Biobank to acquire blood, tissue, and other sample types from patients.

We also collaborate with investigators at Dana-Farber and across the nation to study pancreatic cancer using model systems and to conduct and lead clinical trials.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in 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 and to promote public health, particularly among high-risk and underserved populations.

• Perform experimental analyses in the laboratory, conduct quality control review of data, interpret results, and share findings in formal and information presentations to lab members.
• Prepare biospecimens for analysis, including sectioning of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.
• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas. May be responsible for ordering supplies and collaborating with purchasing; may negotiate with vendors.
• Maintain detailed records tracking experiments and other work-related activities in electronic or written notebooks.
• Monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information and standard operating procedures specific to the laboratory.
• Demonstrate intellectual engagement by keeping up with relevant literature and research publications.
• Use computers and computer-interfaced instrumentation to perform duties.
• Assist with needs of the GI Biobank, including blood processing and sample organization.
• May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of laboratory assays under supervision of senior lab members.
• May be responsible for examination of animal tissue specimens for projects involving collaborating laboratories.

• Knowledge of information and techniques related to biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or chemistry, with no prior professional experience necessary. Candidates will learn and apply technical principles, processes, and concepts, use institutional policies to address routine issues, and work on problems of limited scope. The role involves following standard practices to analyze situations or data and building stable internal working relationships.

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred.
• Knowledge of information and techniques related to biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Attention to detail and thoroughness in completing tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Experience with programming in R, Python or similar languages is a plus.
• Familiarity with tissue-based pathology analysis is a plus.

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

None

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. We are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. If working in this kind of…