Research Associate – Research Technician

Job title: Research Associate – Research Technician

About the Role A Research Associate – Research Technician position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Keith Ligon in the fields of brain tumor biology and precision medicine in the Department of Pathology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The role focuses on multidisciplinary studies of cancer cell biology and treatment response in adult and pediatric gliomas, using patient-derived tumor models and functional genomics approaches. The position involves routine mammalian cell culture, in vivo work with mouse models, and molecular/cellular assays. Mentoring and opportunities for intellectual input are emphasized in a collaborative environment spanning Dana-Farber, the Broad Institute, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

What You'll Do

• 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 the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems
• May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets

What We're Looking For

• Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred
• Must have excellent communication skills 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
• The position requires a bachelor’s degree; field related to biology, chemistry, or medicine preferred
• Prior laboratory research experience preferred
• Prior hands-on experience with in vivo mouse models strongly preferred
• Experience with patient-derived tumor models and functional genomics approaches

Nice to Have

• Experience with organoids and patient-derived tumor models
• CRISPR-based perturbation and other functional genomics techniques
• Publications or grant-writing experience

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $47,500.00 - $51,300.00 per year (USD)