Lab Operations Manager and Research Technician – Antibody Discovery Lab

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute seeks a Research Technician to join the LAUNCHPAD lab, supporting antibody discovery via in vitro display and production, screening, and characterization of antibody therapies and CAR T cells. The role emphasizes learning workflows, maintaining records, and contributing to translation-ready projects.

You will assist with phage/yeast display, biochemical and molecular biology experiments, and help manage lab operations to ensure compliance with policies and

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Biology, Bioengineering or Chemical Engineering with practical lab experience.
• 2+ years of bench work in a full-time research lab (academic or biotech/pharma).
• Experience in lab management is highly preferred.
• Learns and uses technical principles, processes, and concepts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage consumable/reagent inventory and ensure stocks are tracked, ordered and maintained.
• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Support enforcement of lab policies and SOPs, PPE compliance, and notebook audits.
• Oversee maintenance of accurate lab records, reports, and data; support internal audits.
• Support phage and yeast display workflows to identify new human VHH and scFv binders.
• Execute biochemical, molecular and cell biology experiments for production, purification and characterization of antibodies.

Skills

Molecular biology

Protein biology

Cell biology

Lab management

Education

B.S./M.S. in Biology or related field (Biology/Bioengineering/Chemical Engineering)

Job description

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is seeking a research technician to join the Lab for Antibody and Nanobody Phage Display and Discovery (LAUNCHPAD), a pre-clinical research group with the mission to streamline “discovery to translation” of antibody-based immunotherapies for cancer. The LAUNCHPAD team works closely with DFCI PIs to implement the discovery and functional screening of antibody ‘hits’ as well as the engineering of hits to generate potential therapeutic antibody-based biologics and cell therapies. The candidate should be motivated to learn and execute workflows for antibody discovery via in vitro display as well as the production, screening, and characterization of candidate antibody and CAR T cell therapies.

We are deeply committed to the success of each trainee that joins our team and believe that mentorship should be intentional, thought out, and personalized for each member of the group. We dedicate time to meet trainees' individual needs for scientific growth and pursuit of their career goals. We are seeking candidates with at least two years of availability to support our research efforts both as a research technician and a lab operations manager for the center.

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.

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate 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.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$52,400.00 - $57,200.00

Responsibilities

• Manage our consumable/reagent inventory and ensure that stocks of key lab supplies is tracked, ordered and maintained at all times.
• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Support the enforcement of lab policies, organizational strategies and procedures (e.g. unpacking/stocking deliveries, completion of assigned lab tasks by the team, ensuring compliance with PPE, etc.).
• Work closely with our Lead Scientist/Head of Research and other key personnel to help oversee the maintenance of accurate laboratory records, reports, and data and support the implementation of internal notebook audits and reviews.
• Support the execution of phage and yeast display workflows to identify new, fully human VHH and scFv binders.
• Execute biochemical, molecular and/or cell biology experiments, contributing to production, purification and binding/functional characterization of monospecific and multi‑specific antibodies.
• Execute workflows for producing and functionally screening CARs and antibodies to identify leads for ultimate clinical translation.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results. Write reports and summaries of findings. Participate in formal and informal presentations of results.
• Maintain detailed electronic lab notebook, carefully document samples, methods and observations.
• Development, improvement and adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Proactive and reliable stewardship of the laboratory.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree or M.S. in a relevant field (i.e. Biology, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering) with practical experience in molecular, protein or cell biology.
• Research lab experience in a full‑time research lab (academic or biotech/pharma) is required; 2+ years of bench work experience is preferred.
• Previous experience in lab management is highly preferred.
• Learns and uses technical principles, processes, and concepts.
• Exceptionally self‑motivated, dedicated, and reliable.
• Follows standard practices and procedures.
• Builds stable working relationships, able to work with a wide range of faculty and staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding planning, organizational and multi‑tasking skills.
• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.