Research Technician - Translational Immunogenomics Laboratory

Job Details

Job Ref:
43029

Location:
450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215

Category:
Research Laboratory

Employment Type:
Full time

Work Location:
Onsite: 100% onsite

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 single-cell 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 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.

Responsibilities

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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

Research Technician

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

Qualifications

The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform in a team environment. In addition, the position requires:

 

 

  • a bachelor's degree required, with a major in biology or chemistry preferred;
  • previous laboratory experience, with work in cell culture;
  • 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.

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.

 

EEOC Poster

Follow Dana-Farber on Social Media
  • The 79-year-old was celebrating not only the happy couple’s big day but the fact she was there to witness it, thanks to the Dana-Farber specialists who treated her breast cancer and are helping her manage a blood disorder called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). http://ms.spr.ly/6180eK14K

  • Just over a year after giving birth to her son, Emmett, Abigail Myers faced a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer in March 2014. http://ms.spr.ly/6185gPRFB

  • Gels and polishes used in #manicures aren’t cancer-causing. But there is concern that some devices that use ultraviolet light to help polishes and gels dry faster could pose a small risk for #skincancer.

  • When Chuck Stravin was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in 2015, one of his biggest fears was not living long enough to see his four young daughters get married. The disease later metastasized to his lungs as stage IV cancer, but thanks to groundbreaking clinical trials and a care team he considers family, Stravin is checking important items off his bucket list.

    On Dec. 30, Stravin took a break from ongoing treatment to walk his daughter Kayla down the aisle at her wedding. Several members of his care team at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center including oncologist Toni Choueiri, MD, attended the ceremony, and photos that Chuck tweeted of him and Kayla from that day — accompanied by words of thanks to Choueiri and Co. for making it happen — quickly went viral. http://ms.spr.ly/6184g146C

  • Nancy Arsenault was taking a lunch break from driving her elementary school bus route in her hometown of Stow, Massachusetts, when she began to experience double vision. http://ms.spr.ly/6185eTjXb

  • Due to advancements in palliative care, most people are able to manage their side effects during #chemotherapy very effectively.

  • Tom McLaughlin would have rather spent his holiday week at home with his extended family, but under the circumstances the 76-year-old grandfather said he was very happy where he was — and still had much to be thankful for. http://ms.spr.ly/6185ZcAML

  • For patients and families dealing with cancer, talking to someone who has already experienced it, or "been there," can be comforting. One-to One links our trained volunteers with individuals who would like support from a peer.

  • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe: For your homemade mac and cheese, take out the typical roux (butter, milk, flour) and replace it with pureed butternut squash. You’ll have a lower calorie meal, without losing the lusciousness of this classic rich dish. And there’s a bonus: you’ll be adding phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber.

  • Load More