Senior Research Tech - Lohr Lab

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Senior Research Technician position in a dynamic team exploring drug resistance in patients with cancer. The Senior Research Technician will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that evaluates new technologies and approaches to discover new mechanisms of therapeutic drug resistance.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing the steps needed to isolate single tumor cells and matched normal cells from cancer patients and prepare libraries for comprehensive genomic sequencing. The technician will use fluorescent microscopy-based micromanipulation and flow cytometry and perform next-generation sequencing, including library preparation. The incumbent will work principally to meet production goals and requirements, but will also seek to improve existing processes and/or innovate new approaches. The incumbent will be expected to work largely independently on a daily basis after training, but will coordinate closely with the principal investigator and others.

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.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides a vibrant research environment with close links to top academic institutions across the Boston and Cambridge area and provide the potential for your contributions to be used and recognized worldwide.

                 Prepares primary human blood and tumor samples for further processing

• Handles sensitive primary human cells. Uses established protocols and works closely with DFCI facilities and collaborators.
• Performs isolation of cfDNA and circulating tumor cells and other single cells using fluorescent microscopy-based micromanipulation, flow cytometry and other techniques
• Operates next-generation sequencing machines and prepares libraries for next-generation sequencing
• Learn, execute and further develop sequencing library construction, next-generation sequencing protocols and explore novel techniques of low input genomics.
• Manages inventory of biological samples.
• Prepares, orders, and maintains stocks of required reagents and supplies.
• Seeks to improve existing processes and evaluate new approaches.
• Troubleshoots protocols as needed.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment to complete investigations.
• Documents, compiles, and analyzes experimental protocols and data. 
• Attends team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments.
• Other related tasks as required.                 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work with little supervision while adhering to Standard Operation Procedures.
• Must have excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills.
• Must possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills, including the ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive in identifying problems and solutions to address them.
• Must be an exceptional team player.

• Bachelor degree in Biology, Biological Engineering or related field required. 2-4 years of experience working in a scientific research laboratory.
• Familiarity with fluorescent microscopy or flow cytometry is preferred.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR and/or sequencing library construction required.
• Familiarity or experience with next-generation sequencing and library preparation preferred.
• Working knowledge of computers required; familiarity with computer programming preferred.

If interested, please first submit your application and contact the principal investigators:

Jens Lohr, MD PhD

Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School

Division of Hematologic Neoplasia and Center for Cancer Precision Medicine Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Associate Member, Broad Institute

Jensg_lohr@DFCI.HARVARD.EDU

Birgit Knoechel, MD PhD

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Associate Member, Broad Institute

Birgit_Knoechel@DFCI.HARVARD.EDU

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.

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