A full-time position is available for a research technician in the laboratory of Dr. Brian Crompton in the Department of Pediatric Oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Crompton laboratory uses a combination of next-generation sequencing and proteomic approaches to profile tumor material from matched tumor biopsies, circulating tumor DNA, and circulating tumor cells. These studies are focused on understanding the genomic, proteomic, and epigenomic heterogeneity and disease evolution of pediatric solid tumors and leveraging that understanding to develop new pharmacodynamic markers of drug activity and discover mechanisms of treatment resistance. The laboratory works with an extensive network of clinical investigators running multi-institutional clinical trials from which well-annotated patient samples are obtained. The laboratory is well supported by the National Cancer Institute, Department of Defense, and Foundation grants.ÂÂ

Visit: https://www.cromptonlab.org/

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.

We are seeking an entry level research technician to substantially contribute to projects focused on the use of genomic and epigenetic methods to identify biomarkers of response to treatment in liquid biopsies. The potential clinical application of these biomarkers will be validated in patient samples collected from prospective clinical trials for patients with childhood solid tumors. You will work closely with a staff scientist and the principal investigator to design and prioritize experiments. Your research will significantly impact several major research projects with high potential for co-authorship on scientific publications. Other responsibilities may also include participation in basic operational tasks for the laboratory and participation in lab meetings. This position may require working some off-hours, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• 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.
  
• Handle, process, store, and distribute human biological samples including blood and tissue, with meticulous record keeping. May extract nucleic acids or proteins and perform further molecular or proteomic analysis.
  
• Participate in collective team effort to process blood and tissue samples from multi-institutional trials as they come in (on average 20 samples per week). Processing includes plasma collection, enrichment for CTC or cryopreservation of the pre-enriched samples depending on the projects’ needs.Â
  
• 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.Â
  
• 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.Â
  
• May be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
  
• May be responsible for culturing and maintenance of multiple cancer cell lines including creating new Luciferase-positive cell lines for in vivo injection. That includes bacterial work and lentivirus production.Â
  
• May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets.

This position will require adaptability to a fast-paced research environment, ability to function in a highly collaborative environment, and excellent communication, organizational, and computer skills. Candidates should have a BS or BA and prior training in biological lab bench techniques such as cell culture, molecular, and biochemical techniques is preferred but not required.ÂThe position also requires candidates to be organized and maintain a detailed electronic notebook of all work-related activities and provide intellectual commitment to the project by developing and troubleshooting experimental techniques.

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred.Â
  
• Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred.
  
• Knowledge and/or experience with biological lab bench techniques such as cell culture, molecular, and biochemical techniques 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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