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.   

The Center for Patient Derived Models (CPDM) at DFCI is seeking applicants for the position of Research Technician. The position will be mentored and supervised by the Center Director (Dr. Keith Ligon) and Associate Director (Dr. Sonam Bhatia). CPDM is an integrated research Center at the DFCI which seeks to advance modeling science by performing research on patient-derived xenografts, organoids, cell lines, and personalized drug screening of fresh patient cells using innovative and high content approaches. Applicants are desired to have prior experience in laboratory and animal research methods. The applicant will work to advance our knowledge of precision medicine, cancer biology, treatment and diagnostics in all adult and pediatric cancer types. Applicants hired to this position will apply modern cutting-edge techniques to create and study patient derived models of cancer (patient derived cell lines, patient derived xenografts, and cancer immunotherapy models, and Avatars).

https://www.dana-farber.org/research/departments-centers-and-labs/integrative-research-centers/center-for-patient-derived-models/

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 position will involve use of in-vitro and in-vivo methods to develop and study patient cancer models that can aid in novel targeted therapy development and diagnosis of treatment effects. Applicants will participate in preclinical studies in PDX mouse trials, high throughput screening, high-content screening, stem cell methods, and preclinical and clinical trials execution and support. Applicants with prior experience in the a few of following are preferred: animal research and procedures (mouse/PDX), cell culture (2D, 3D and primary cell culture), preclinical, human research, pathology, and drug screening techniques. 

Developing independence will be fostered, and opportunities for intellectual input and contribution to manuscripts will also be readily available. The position will have opportunity to interact with a wide range of clinicians and scientific collaborators.

• Design and execute experiments for projects in-line with the center’s mission and goals
• Perform various preclinical animal research methods in mouse models
• Perform routine cell and molecular biology work
• Handle and process patient tissue samples
• May perform in-vitro drug screens using state of the art methods
• 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 be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff.
• May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures.
• Provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications.
• Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Technician

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

Qualifications:

• Bachelors or Masters degree. Experience in cancer cell & molecular biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, biochemistry, or related scientific field is preferred.
• Excellent organization and data management skills are required.
• Working knowledge of graphing software (Microsoft suite, Graphpad/prism) and/or basic coding (R/python) is highly desirable
• We are looking for candidates who have at least two years of availability. Position is available immediately

What we offer:

• Comprehensive training and mentorship opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative work culture
• Opportunities to work on a range of exciting projects that interface with various industry and academic partners
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry trends

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 groups as protected by law.

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