Research Technician - Filbin Lab

A multi-disciplinary team of researchers led by Dr. Mariella G. Filbin at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (with co-affiliation with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) seeks a Research Technician to join efforts to find new treatment strategies for pediatric brain tumors. Our team uses cutting-edge single-cell genomics as well as gene-editing tools to understand the hierarchies of cancer cells within tumors and their interaction with the microenvironment, with a particular focus on cancer stem-cell programs and their translation into novel treatments.  

Responsibilities: 

• Execute standardized pooled CRISPR-KO functional genomic screens in patient-derived cell line models of pediatric brain tumors, including both standard dependency and drug-anchored screens. 

• Perform and optimize all experimental components of CRISPR screens, including cell culture, viral transduction, antibiotic selection, screen maintenance, harvest, genomic DNA extraction, and preparation of sequencing-ready libraries. 

• Conduct standardized biological, molecular and biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection and processing of samples directly from patients. 

• Conduct both single-cell and bulk RNA and DNA sequencing experiments from primary patient tumors. 

• 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 participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff.  

• Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required. 

• Maintain detailed notebook of all work-related activities. 

• Comply with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to the laboratory. 

• Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications. 

• Use 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.  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

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

 
Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics/genomics or neuroscience preferred. 

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including routine maintenance and experimental handling. 

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis. 

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely and maintain detailed, well-organized experimental records. 

• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks. 

• Learns and uses technical principles, processes, and concepts.  Applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve routine issues.  Works on problems of limited scope.  

• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained.  

• Builds stable working relationships internally. 

• 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. 

• Ability to work within a team environment.