Job Description
Overview
We are seeking a motivated and qualified research technician to join our team in the Translational Hub. The Translational Hub is an initiative of the Breast Oncology Program to collect biospecimens from breast cancer patients enrolled on our clinical trials and cohort studies. As a primary responsibility, the successful candidate will be expected to work closely with clinical investigators and oversee collection, processing, quality assessment and storage of clinical samples. Additionally, the successful candidate will be involved with ongoing basic and translational research programs using patient specimens. In this capacity, the successful candidate may work closely with postdoctoral or medical fellows performing in vitro and in vivo experiments as well as the development and validation of culture systems and assays. The successful candidate may also oversee daily activities in the laboratory including ordering and managing the laboratory space.
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred.
- 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.
- 2-3 year commitment is preferred.
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.
- Excellent quantitative, analytic, and problem-solving skills to evaluate all aspects of a problem opportunity and make or facilitate appropriate and timely decisions.
- Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability and willingness to work closely with other colleagues; experience and comfort in working with individuals with diverse backgrounds and differing viewpoints; openness to new ideas. Must value working as a member of a team.
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.
The Opportunity to Change a Life Begins with Dana-Farber!
Four Time Award Winner!
With a career at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, you play an important role in helping to fulfill our mission and ultimate goal: the eradication of cancer and related diseases. We are ranked as one of the nation's best midsize employers and offer exciting jobs and careers to match your skills, interests, and passions.
The mission of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is to provide expert, compassionate care to children and adults with cancer while advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure, and prevention of cancer and related diseases.
As an affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a Comprehensive Cancer Center designated by the National Cancer Institute, the Institute also provides training for new generations of physicians and scientists, designs programs that promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations, and disseminates innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries to our target community across the United States and throughout the world.
