Research Technician - Aguirre Lab

Overview

The Aguirre lab at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a basic and translational oncology laboratory within the Hale Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research. We utilize a variety of genomic, functional genetic and molecular biology approaches to identify novel therapeutic strategies in pancreatic cancer and to test these strategies in patient-derived models or genetically engineered mouse models of the disease. We actively collaborate with clinical oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, geneticists and computational biologists to perform multi-disciplinary basic and translational research.

We are in search of a highly motivated and capable Research Technician to join the Aguirre laboratory as part of an interdisciplinary effort to identify new drug targets for pancreatic cancer and to evaluate new therapeutic strategies in patient-derived organoid and mouse models of pancreatic cancer. The successful candidate will have a strong interest in cancer biology and therapeutics and will function as part of a multidisciplinary basic science and translational team. Responsibilities may include basic mechanistic studies of new therapeutic targets using gain- and loss-of-function genetic approaches, testing therapeutic sensitivity on organoid models, animal modeling of pancreatic cancer, and studying the genetic and phenotypic predictors of therapeutic response in preclinical models and human samples from clinical trials.

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.

• Working with a team of experimental and computational biologists to perform experiments and interpret data.
• Maintaining cell lines and isolating primary cells for use in cell based assays.
• Performing a variety of basic cancer biology assays, including in vitro proliferation or apoptosis assays, drug sensitivity assays, soft agar assays, in vivo xenograft experiments.
• Lentiviral transduction techniques for ORF-overexpression experiments or RNAi and CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown/knockout experiments.
• Performing detailed characterization and cellular mechanism of action studies of genetic or pharmacologic screening hits.
• Maintaining clear records of experimental work.
• Operating and maintaining lab equipment independently.
• 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. Will be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff.
• Ability to effectively work in a supervised team to accomplish common goals.
• Troubleshooting and solving scientific problems jointly with supervision.
• Effectively organizing, reporting and communicating study outcome in cross-functional project teams and working across various platforms and programs to achieve results.

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 attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• A proven record of successful interactions within multidisciplinary teams
• Experience in cell culture techniques including use of established cancer cell lines and primary human cells. Organoid culture experience is desirable but not required.
• Molecular and cell biology experience is required with emphasis on techniques such as tissue culture approaches, cloning, real-time PCR, western blotting, FACS.
• Cancer biology experience is desired with special emphasis on cell-based assays for cancer cell therapeutic sensitivity testing.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment and perform laboratory work with independence
• Ability to critically read, interpret, and adapt scientific literature and significantly contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• A strong scientific curiosity and a “can-do” attitude is required to be successful for this position.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s degree is required with a major in biology, biochemistry, genetics or chemistry. 1-2 years or more of prior laboratory experience is strongly desired but not absolutely required. More experienced applicants who have worked for multiple years as a professional scientist or research technician are also encouraged to apply and would be considered at an appropriate level of compensation and benefits. A history of hard work, sound academic achievement and prior success is required. A pattern of stable working relationships and strong references from prior mentors is also required.

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.

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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).

$47,500.00 - $51,300.00