Senior Research Technician
US-MA-Boston
careers
Req #: 46812
Type: full time
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Overview:
The Bing Center for Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia (BCWM) is situated in the Longwood area of Boston and is part of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The BCWM is composed of a multi-disciplinary team of physicians, scientists, and computational biologists who are dedicated to the rationale based, genomically guided drug development for Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia, a subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The BCWM laboratory utilizes multi-omics to provide insights for medicinal chemistry efforts aimed at targeting pro-survival pathways related to MYD88 and CXCR4 mutation signaling, which constitute the most common mutations found in Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia. The BCWM has successfully developed therapeutics currently approved and in use for the treatment of Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia. In collaboration with medicinal chemists in our center, and at Dana Farber, we continue to develop compounds targeting key mutation signaling pathways. The position offers the opportunity to be a part of research efforts for the development and characterization of novel compounds for treating Waldenstrom's and other non-Hodgkin's lymphomas that rely on MYD88 and CXCR4 signaling. For more information on the BCWM, please visit our dedicated website at www.bingcenterforwm.org The BCWM fosters a very friendly and collegial environment that encourages teamwork, the free exchange of ideas among team members, and supports skill and career development. The candidate will support BCWM staff scientists and post-doctoral fellows.
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:
* Sample Processing:
Handle and process patient blood and bone marrow samples.
Execute established protocols for cell and serum collection, storage, and transportation.
Update and maintain the cell and serum bank log to ensure accurate tracking and accessibility.
Ensure the systematic and current management of storage facilities.
* DNA Isolation:
Isolate high-quality RNA and DNA from blood, bone marrow, and other biological samples.
Perform genomic DNA and RNA purification from processed samples.
Ensure the integrity and purity of isolated DNA and RNA for downstream analysis.
* Sequencing:
Perform PCR-based assays including allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) to detect mutations in CXCR4, MYD88, and other relevant genes.
Conduct Sanger and Next Generation (NGS) sequencing for mutation analysis.
Analyze sequencing data.
* Cell Culture:
Maintain and propagate cell lines for various research projects.
Conduct cell-based assays and experiments under the guidance of scientists.
Ensure optimal conditions for cell growth and viability.
Assist in the testing of novel compounds in cell lines and primary samples.
Perform drug screening assays and contribute to data analysis.
* Documentation:
Maintain detailed and organized records of experimental procedures, results, and observations.
Prepare and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.
Qualifications for the position include experience relevant to the above responsibilities, excellent communication and organizational skills, a strong ability to multi-task effectively, and the capacity to follow instructions and actively seek advice and guidance from more experienced laboratory staff. Research staff are required to attend and present at weekly laboratory and departmental meetings. Certain research staff may also present data at extramural research meetings such as annual meetings of the American Society for Hematology.
Other Duties:
* 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.
* Typically requires a minimum of 1-4 years related experience.
* Developing technical expertise, applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve a variety of issues.
* Works on problems of moderate scope where analysis of situations or data requires a review of a variety of factors.
* Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
* Builds productive internal/external working relationships.
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.
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 r
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