Research Technician

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.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the research technician will be to assist the research scientist in the lab with routine experiments.

The techniques the technician will be expected to perform after receiving appropriate training include:

• Mouse colony maintenance
  • setting up and monitoring breeding pairs
  • tagging and ear clipping of pups
  • performing genotyping PCRs
  • monitoring of experimental mice (recording of weights, body condition, etc.)
• Preparation of mouse tissue samples for histological analysis
• Immunohistochemistry/Immunofluorescence staining & imaging
• Preparation of samples for DNA/RNA/protein analysis (PCR, Western blotting, etc.)
• Keeping a detailed record of all experimental procedures and results

In addition, approximately 20% of this role will be allocated to provide general support to the entire lab by recording of consumable inventory, placing orders for routine lab supplies, and maintaining stocks of common lab reagents.

The technician will be trained and supervised by the research scientist with whom they will work on a day-to-day basis.

A two-year commitment is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required, in life sciences highly preferred

• Motivated to learn and work in a mouse genetics laboratory
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and self-motivated

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.

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.