A full-time position is available for a highly motivated research technician to contribute to investigate the immunobiology of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), and in particular to study which (allo)antigens elicit T cell responses determining protection against post-transplant relapse or toxicities against healthy tissues (known as graft-versus-host disease). The knowledge gained from decoding the molecular determinants of alloreactivity will be used to create new personalized immunotherapy strategies to prevent or treat disease relapse (TCR-like CAR T cells) and to devise prognostic scores for the risk of allo-HCT complications such as graft-versus-host disease.

Â

The laboratory uses a variety of techniques in molecular biology, immunology, cell culture, screening, immunopeptidomics, gene therapy, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and single-cell technologies. Under the supervision of a senior scientist, the technician will be responsible of collecting and processing human samples; he/she will conduct cellular immunology workflows, cloning of T cell receptors, screening their antigenic specificity using patient-derived iPSCs to capture the antigens recognized by alloreactive T cells. Finally, the technician will contribute to establishing a novel immune-gene therapy approach based on TCR-like CAR T cells, using a suite of state-of-the-art molecular biology and immunological assays, as well in vivo experiments aimed at testing the activity of gene-modified T cells in murine models. Training is available in all protocols and procedures; experience with basic techniques in cell culture and molecular biology is strongly preferred.

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.ÂÂÂ

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 will be expected to independently carry out essential research functions in the laboratory that include but are not limited to experience in immune assays and in cellular and molecular biology techniques.

ÂSpecifically, the candidate is expected to:

• Contribute to a dedicated research project with supervision and mentoring from a senior scientist.
• Provide intellectual and interactive commitment to the position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications.
• Design and execute standardized molecular, immunological or biochemical experiments including the collection of information and samples from human blood and tissues.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings including grant preparation, presentations, and co-authored publications.
• Participate in formal and informal presentations of results to laboratory staff.
• Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required.
• Collaborate with laboratory members and broader DFCI and Boston scientific community.
• Maintain detailed notebooks of all work-related activities.
• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Clean and maintain work areas.
• Order supplies necessary to conduct experiments.
• Use computers, computer-interfacing equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Â

Research Technician

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

The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform in a team environment. We are looking for candidates who have at least two years of availability. The job will provide great exposure to someone who is considering going to graduate school or medical school in the future. An interest in pursuing advanced education in MD, PhD, or MD-PhD programs in the future is indeed preferred.

The position requires:

• Minimum of B.A./B.S., with a major in biology or chemistry preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience – with work in molecular biology, cell culture or immune assays – is strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge of immunology is not strictly required but preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Strong attention to detail and thorough completion of 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.

Â

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.

Â

EEOC Poster