Research Technician

Research Associate – Research Technician

A Research Associate – Research Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Keith Ligon in the fields of brain tumor biology and precision medicine in the Department of Pathology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Prior laboratory research experience (1–3 years preferred) is strongly encouraged. The position will involve multidisciplinary studies of cancer cell biology and mechanisms of treatment response and resistance in adult and pediatric gliomas, with a focus on patient-derived tumor models (including organoids and PDX) and functional genomics approaches (e.g., CRISPR-based perturbation).

The role will include routine mammalian cell culture, in vivo work using mouse models (including PDX), and molecular and cellular assays to study tumor biology and drug response. Prior hands-on experience with in vivo mouse models is strongly preferred. Developing independence will be fostered, and opportunities for intellectual input will be readily available. The Ligon lab environment is highly collaborative, with opportunities to interact with leading investigators in translational and basic cancer research across Dana-Farber, the Broad Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Candidates will receive strong mentoring and training for both academic and industry career paths.

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.

• 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

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

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