Freeman Lab Research Tech - Senior

The Freeman Lab is seeking a highly motivated and dedicated full-time technician. The laboratory is focused on investigation of costimulatory molecules such as PD-L1 that regulate the immune response and their potential for cancer immunotherapy using mouse models and human tumor samples. 

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.

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 candidate should have proficiency and experience in cell culture, multi-color flow cytometry, cellular immunological assays, experience in mouse handling including mouse tumor models and data analysis using Prism and flow jo software. Experience working with monoclonal antibodies, hybridoma cell culture, protein manipulations such as purification, fluorophore conjugations, western blotting, and immunological assays such as mouse tumor isolation, ELISA, RNA isolation, real time PCR is highly desirable. Commonly performed tasks will include mouse tumor immunotherapy and monitoring, cell preparation from mouse and human tumors, FACS analysis, cell culture, ELISA, RNA extraction, real time PCR, and gene cloning. About 10% of the effort will be spent on lab/administrative support activities such as ordering, organization, lab management and shipping. 

• 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No supervisory responsibilities.  Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new projects or assignments.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, self-motivated, dedicated, possess excellent organizational skills, be attentive to detail, and capable of forming effective working relationships with members of the research team.  A BA/BS or equivalent in Biology, or a related field is required.

We are looking for candidates who have at least two years of availability.

• 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.

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 characteristics protected by law.

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