Research Technician: D'Andrea Lab

Overview

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 set up, operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations and calculating and recording results.

The D’Andrea Lab investigates the mechanisms underlying chromosome instability and cancer susceptibility. Our research focuses on the molecular signaling pathways that regulate the DNA damage response in mammalian cells. Disruption of these pathways—whether through germline or somatic mutations—can lead to genomic instability, sensitivity to ionizing radiation, and defects in cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair. Such alterations are frequently observed in cancer and contribute to increased mutation rates and tumor progression. The lab employs a wide range of innovative technologies to measure DNA damage responses in cancer cell lines, including cytotoxicity assays and proteomic biomarker analyses.

The Research Technician will support postdoctoral fellows and scientists in conducting experiments of varying complexity. Responsibilities include assisting with the setup, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment; monitoring experiments; collecting and analyzing data; and maintaining accurate records. Technicians will develop strong critical-thinking skills and gain experience in designing rigorous, well-controlled experiments. There will also be opportunities to contribute to scientific publications as a co-author.

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.

Responsibilities

• Clean, maintain, and prepare laboratory work areas and supplies
• Assist with inventory management and ordering reagents.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols and institutional Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) guidelines.
• Maintain a detailed and organized laboratory notebook documenting all experimental procedures, observations, and results.
• Culture, expand, and cryopreserve a variety of cancer cell lines under sterile conditions.
• Design, optimize, and perform cell-based assays to investigate target biology and evaluate experimental hypotheses.
• Participate in lab meetings, group discussions, and institute-wide seminars with invited speakers.
• Ensure adherence to Environmental Health and Safety guidelines and laboratory-specific standard operating procedures; monitor compliance and promote safe laboratory practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor's / Master’s degree required with a major in biology or chemistry.
• 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.
• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Some computational biology experience is a plus.

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)

$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. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse 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.