Research Technician - Filbin Lab

Overview

The positions in this job family will assist scientists in performing scientific research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity.  In general, they will assist in the set up, 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.

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers led by Dr. Mariella G. Filbin at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (with co-affiliation with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) seeks a  Research Technician to join efforts to find new treatment strategies for pediatric brain tumors. Our team uses cutting-edge single - cell genomics as well as gene - editing tools to understand the hierarchies of cancer cells within tumors and their interaction with the microenvironment, with a particular focus on cancer stem-cell programs and their translation into novel treatments. 

Responsibilities:

• Execute standardized pooled CRISPR-KO functional genomic screens in patient-derived cell line models of pediatric brain tumors, including both standard dependency and drug-anchored screens.

• Perform and optimize all experimental components of CRISPR screens, including cell culture, viral transduction, antibiotic selection, screen maintenance, harvest, genomic DNA extraction, and preparation of sequencing-ready libraries.

• Conduct standardized biological, molecular and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection and processing of samples directly from patients.

• Conduct both single-cell and bulk RNA and DNA sequencing experiments from primary patient tumors.

• 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 participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff. 

• Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required .

• Maintain detailed notebook of all work-related activities.

• Comply with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to the laboratory.

• Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications.

• Use 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. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics/ genomics or neuroscience preferred.

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including routine maintenance and experimental handling.

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely and maintain detailed, well-organized experimental records.

• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.

• Learns and uses technical principles, processes, and concepts.  Applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve routine issues.  Works on problems of limited scope. 

• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. 

• Builds stable working relationships internally.

• 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.

• Ability to work within a team environment.

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. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).