Research Technician - Center Patient Derived Models

Research Technician - Center for Patient Derived Models

May 20, 2026

$48K - $51K

The Center for Patient Derived Models (CPDM) at DFCI is seeking applicants for the position of Research Technician. The position will be mentored and supervised by the Center Director (Dr. Keith Ligon) and Co-Director. CPDM is an integrated research Center at the DFCI which seeks to advance modeling science by performing research on patient-derived xenografts, organoids, cell lines, and personalized drug screening of fresh patient cells using innovative and high content approaches.

The applicant will work to advance our knowledge of precision medicine, cancer biology, treatment and diagnostics in all adult and pediatric cancer types. Applicants hired to this position will apply modern cutting‑edge techniques to create and study patient derived models of cancer (patient derived cell lines, patient derived xenografts, and cancer immunotherapy models, and Avatars).

The Research Technician will assist scientists in performing scientific research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity. In general, they will assist in the setup, operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations and calculating and recording results.

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.

The position will involve use of in‑vitro and in‑vivo methods to develop and study patient cancer models that can aid in novel targeted therapy development and diagnosis of treatment effects. Applicants will participate in preclinical studies in PDX mouse trials, high‑throughput screening, high‑content screening, stem cell methods, and preclinical and clinical trials execution and support. Applicants with prior experience in the a few of following are preferred: animal research and procedures (mouse/PDX), cell culture (2D, 3D and primary cell culture), preclinical, human research, pathology, and drug screening techniques.

Developing independence will be fostered, and opportunities for intellectual input and contribution to manuscripts will also be readily available. The position will have opportunity to interact with a wide range of clinicians and scientific collaborators.

• 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…