Research Tech

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute • Boston, MA

4d

About The Position

The Center for Immuno-Oncology (CIO) at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) evalulates patient samples from immunotherapy clinical trials to identify biomarkers of response across many different cancer types. The Tissue Biomarker Lab (TBL) is a research team within the CIO that performs spatial analyses of the tumor-immune microenvironment using quantitative imaging assays (see https://ciopath.dfci.harvard.edu/ for more detail). The TBL uses both the Akoya Polaris and Lunaphore COMET platforms to address experimental questions. With supervision from the Principal Scientist, the research technician will implement quantitative, image-based spatial characterization of immune and cancer cells within patient biopsy samples. The research technician will be expected to work both collaboratively and independently to determine the best approaches to perform the required analyses and to interpret resulting data.
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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology, chemistry, immunology, biophysics, or biomedical engineering is preferred.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment required.
• Knowledge of either biology, chemistry, molecular biology, or biomedical research experimental approaches is required.
• Understanding of how to apply quantitative approaches to scientific experiments is required, computer programming experience a plus.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be proactive in seeking answers to questions.
• Must have excellent attention to detail and be thorough in completing tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.
• Willingness to spend 2-years, minimum, in the position.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates with a background or experience in computational biology and engineering are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform technical procedures such as chromogenic immunohistochemistry, multiplex immunofluorescence, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, and prepare samples for advanced microscopic methods.
• Develop and test new immunostaining assays and workflows for highly multiplexed analyses of cancer tissues.
• Operate laboratory instruments and equipment, especially automated tissue stainers and multiplex fluorescence microscopes.
• Develop and apply computer-based quantitative approaches to assess multiplex immunostained tissue samples utilizing commercial and custom image analysis software in collaboration with the TBL and computational biology teams.
• Keep detailed records and maintain databases containing experimental results and reagent information.
• Prepare and present written or oral progress reports describing studies and results, including assembly, organization and interpretation of data.
• Order chemicals, reagents and other laboratory supplies.
• May demonstrate and explain various laboratory techniques to laboratory personnel, students and others.
• Perform all other duties and responsibilities as directed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level