Research Technician - TIGL

Overview

A full-time position is available for a highly motivated research technician at the translational immunogenomics laboratory (TIGL). The technician will contribute to new technologies for characterizing T cell specificity and neoantigen peptide properties in cancer and infectious disease. The laboratory uses various techniques in immunology, cell culture, molecular biology, protein engineering, and mass-spectrometry to develop and scale high throughput methods for mapping the antigen specificity of millions of T cells using single-cell RNA sequencing. TIGL also takes part in DFCI Neoantigen based cancer vaccine trials, and all the patient samples are analyzed in TIGL laboratories. The technician will be responsible for immune monitoring of ongoing Neoantigen-based cancer vaccine trials, protein purification, preparing samples for mass-spectrometry, and cellular immunology workflows, including flow cytometry and single-cell RNA seq. The technician should have excellent record-keeping skills and a drive to work develop new methods in immunology. Training is available in all protocols and procedures; experience with basic techniques in cell culture and biology is strongly preferred. Previous experience with computational biology, knowledge of R and single cell analysis is beneficial.

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 candidate will be expected to independently carry out essential research functions in the laboratory that include but are not limited to experience in cell and molecular biology techniques.

Specifically, the candidate is expected to:

• conduct standardized immunological, biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, tumor biopsies, drugs, and animals;
• 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;
• collaborate with DFCI Purchasing;
• 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;
• participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff;
• participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required;
• maintain detailed notebooks of all work-related activities;
• monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information, as well as the standard operating procedures specific to each laboratory.
• provide intellectual and interactive commitment to the position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications;
• be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures;
• use computers, computer-interfacing equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties;
• be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy; and
• be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.

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
• Must have strong organizational skills
• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks
• Ability to work within a team environment

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• a bachelor's degree required, with a major in biology or chemistry preferred;
• previous laboratory experience, with work in cell culture;
• Previous experience with computational biology, knowledge of R and single cell analysis is beneficial.
• knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry or medicine is preferred;
• excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff;
• the ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems;
• strong attention to detail and thorough completion of work tasks; and
• the ability to work within a team environment.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

PATIENT CONTACT: None

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).