Research Technician – Antibody Discovery and Chimeric Antigen Receptor; CAR Production & Chara

About the Role

Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is seeking a research technician to join the LAUNCHPAD group— an interdisciplinary team focused on streamlining the discovery and translation of antibody‑based immunotherapies for cancer. The role involves learning and executing antibody discovery workflows, producing, screening, and characterizing candidate antibody and CAR T cell therapies, and supporting the group’s lab operations and logistics.

• Work with team members to manage consumable/reagent inventory, ensuring stocks of key lab supplies are tracked, ordered, and maintained.
• Support enforcement of lab policies, organizational strategies, and procedures (e.g., unpacking and stocking deliveries, ensuring PPE compliance).
• Collaborate with the Lead Scientist/Head of Research and other key personnel to oversee accurate laboratory records, reports, and data, and support internal notebook audits and reviews.
• Support the execution of phage and yeast display workflows to identify new, fully human VHH and scFv binders.
• Execute biochemical, molecular, and/or cell biology experiments, contributing to production, purification, and functional characterization of mono‑specific and multi‑specific antibodies.
• Execute workflows for producing and functionally screening CARs and antibodies to identify leads for clinical translation.
• Analyze experimental data, interpret results, write reports and summaries of findings, and participate in formal and informal presentations.
• Maintain a detailed electronic notebook, carefully documenting samples, methods, and observations.
• Develop, improve, and adhere to standard operating procedures.
• Provide proactive and reliable stewardship of the laboratory.
• Set up, calibrate, clean, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment.
• Stay current with relevant literature and actively participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and research seminars.

• BS or MS in a relevant field (Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, etc.) with experience in molecular, protein, or cell biology.
• Full‑time research lab experience in academic or biotech/pharma settings is required.
• Previous experience helping manage a laboratory or research group is highly preferred.
• Able to learn and apply technical principles, processes, and concepts.
• Exceptionally self‑motivated, dedicated, and reliable.
• Adheres to standard practices and procedures.
• Builds stable working relationships and collaborates with a wide range of faculty and staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding planning, organizational, and multi‑tasking abilities.
• Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness in work.
• Must have at least two years of availability to support the center’s research efforts and lab operations.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. For union positions, the pay range is governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$47,500 – $51,300

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 equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff and to providing a workplace that supports the success of each trainee.

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.