A full-time position is available for a research technician in the laboratory of Dr. Brian Crompton in the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Crompton laboratory uses a combination of next-generation sequencing and proteomic approaches to profile tumor material from matched tumor biopsies, circulating tumor DNA, and circulating tumor cells. These studies are focused on understanding the genomic, proteomic, and epigenomic heterogeneity and disease evolution of pediatric solid tumors and leveraging that understanding to develop new pharmacodynamic markers of drug activity and discover mechanisms of treatment resistance. The laboratory works with an extensive network of clinical investigators running multi-institutional clinical trials from which well-annotated patient samples are obtained. The laboratory is well supported by the National Cancer Institute, Department of Defense, and Foundation grants.We are seeking a highly motivated experienced technician to assist in our work developing and validating genomic and proteomic biomarkers and innovative treatments through in vivo work involving pediatric solid malignancies and drug combination studies. All animal related work will include mouse handling and in vivo procedures such as ear tagging, restraining, cardiac puncture, intraperitoneal injections, oral gavage, sub-cutaneous injections, and necropsy techniques like tumor resection. Other responsibilities that will be part of the role are drug preparation, dosing, and monitoring of tumor/disease progression, this may require working some weekends and holidays. Extensive training will be provided, and all in vivo work is also supported by other members of the team. Technician will also be responsible for updating animal protocols during annual renewal, 3-year rewrite and submitting amendments when adding new personnel. Previous mouse work experience is preferred but not required. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, purchasing and maintaining laboratory supplies, and assisting with instituting operating procedures that maintain a safe and productive lab environment. You will work closely with the principal investigator, the staff scientist/lab manager and operate with independence once fully trained. Your research will significantly impact several major research projects with high potential for co-authorship on scientific publications.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.
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. Collaborates with Purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with vendors.
Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, drugs, and animals.
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. May be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff.
Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required.
Maintains detailed notebook of all work-related activities.
Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to each laboratory.
Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications.
May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures.
Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties.
May be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy.
May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets.
May be responsible for culturing and maintenance of multiple cancer cell lines.
May be responsible for the examination and monitoring of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
May be responsible for responding to Animal Research Facility alerts in a timely manner, and to maintain compliance with their policies.
Plan and order appropriate number of animals according to protocol, as well as maintain good practices as established by the IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee).
Design and execute mouse model experiments, collect and organize data in spreadsheets. Analyze and present results from study.
Perform all animal experimental techniques including mouse handling, ear tagging, use of anesthesia machine, subcutaneous injection, drug dosing by intraperitoneal injection and/or oral gavage, necropsy, cardiac puncture, tumor resection and storage (PFA fixing or freezing).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:Research TechnicianNo supervisory responsibilities.Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.
Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred.
Typically requires a minimum of 1-4 years related experience. Developing technical expertise, applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues. Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action. Builds productive internal/external working relationships.
In-vivo experience with mice preferred.
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.
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 groups as protected by law.EEOC Poster