Research=h Technician (Hata Lab- Cancer Center)

Mass General Brigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Hata Lab at Mass General Brigham is seeking a motivated laboratory research technician to assist in cancer research focusing on drug resistance mechanisms. This full-time position offers recent graduates a chance to gain valuable experience in a translational research setting, contributing to innovative cancer therapies.

Qualifications

• Research experience demonstrating competence in lab techniques and methodologies.
• Leadership and organizational skills evidence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and perform laboratory experiments related to cancer research.
• Assist with in vivo animal experiments and data analysis.
• Maintain organized records of samples, procedures, and data.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science or similar degree in biological sciences

Tools

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Site: The General Hospital Corporation

Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

Job Summary

The Hata Lab in the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong scientific background for a full-time laboratory research technician position. Research within the Hata Lab focuses on discovering mechanisms of drug resistance in lung cancer patients treated with targeted therapies and developing new therapies to overcome them. We aim to answer pressing clinical questions through patient-centered biological exploration, prioritizing the use of novel tumor models generated directly from patient tumor specimens for mechanistic studies, with the goal of translating findings into clinical trials. More information about the Hata Lab can be found at: https://hatalab.mgh.harvard.edu.

The candidate will assist with basic and translational research projects under the supervision of a post-doctoral research instructor and Dr. Hata (PI). The project focuses on identifying T cell immunity against ALK, a fusion oncogene driver in some non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) and other cancers. Since ALK is not expressed in adult tissues, ALK-specific T cell receptors could form the basis for cellular treatments, independent of small molecule therapies. Responsibilities include preparing and performing laboratory experiments, assisting with in vivo animal experiments, collecting and documenting procedures and results, analyzing data, and assisting with manuscript preparation.

This position is ideal for recent graduates seeking to expand their research skills in a translational setting and contribute to cancer immunotherapeutics. It provides valuable experience for prospective graduate (PhD) and medical (MD, MD/PhD) students, with opportunities for leadership, career development, and co-authorship on publications. Previous experience in immunology, cancer research, mammalian cell culture, or working with mice is preferred but not required; relevant undergraduate research experience is strongly encouraged. We seek an enthusiastic, motivated, detail-oriented individual who works well independently and in teams.

Qualifications

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stimulate, culture, and assay T cells/lines for activation and quantification (e.g., ELISpot, flow cytometry)
• Mammalian tissue culture techniques including cell line maintenance, drug treatment, cryopreservation, etc.
• Basic molecular biology techniques such as plasmid construction, nucleic acid purification, DNA sequencing, and PCR.
• Coordinate with clinical research staff and extract immune cells from blood and other samples.
• Potentially evaluate in vivo lung cancer models for T cell killing, including establishing tumor xenografts, drug treatment, assessing tumor response, and harvesting tumor tissue.

• Maintain organized records of samples, procedures, and data.
• Generate and interpret experimental results; assist with manuscript preparation and editing.
• Participate in weekly lab meetings and collaborative project meetings.
• Order laboratory reagents and maintain lab facilities.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science or similar degree in biological sciences.

• Research experience demonstrating competence in lab techniques and methodologies.
• Leadership and organizational skills evidence.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret data results.
• Attention to detail in experiments and record-keeping.
• Knowledge of data management programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Job Details

Remote Type: Onsite

Work Location: 149 Thirteenth Street Building 149

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Employee Type: Regular

Work Shift: Day (United States of America)

EEO Statement:

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, or other protected status. Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process. For accommodations, contact Human Resources at (857)-282-7642.

Mass General Brigham Competency Framework:

Our competency framework defines effective leadership behaviors critical for success at each job level, comprising ten observable and measurable competencies that contribute to workplace effectiveness, performance evaluation, hiring, development, and talent pipeline development.