Research Technician (Bernstein Lab)

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is seeking a highly motivated research technician to support and lead cancer genomic projects in the Bernstein lab, collaborating closely with a senior postdoctoral fellow. The role involves wet-lab experiments, data analysis, and assisting with lab management.

A two-year commitment is required as part of a dynamic, supportive team. Responsibilities include cell culture, CRISPR-Cas9 editing, sample prep for sequencing, and expression analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related life sciences (minimum).
• Experience with wet-lab techniques and data analysis is preferred.
• Ability to work in a team and pay attention to detail.
• Experience in genomics or gene-editing is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard experimental procedures (pipetting, culture, PCR, Western blot).
• Culture cancer cell lines and design/execute gene editing protocols (CRISPR-Cas9).
• Prepare DNA/RNA for sequencing and learn long-read Nanopore sequencing.
• Analyze gene expression by qRT-PCR and interpret results.
• Maintain lab records, reagents, and equipment; ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Cell culture

PCR

Western blotting

CRISPR editing

Data analysis

Genomics

Programming (Python/R)

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Nanopore sequencing

DNA/RNA prep

Job description

We are seeking to hire a highly motivated research technician (~40 hrs/wk) with interest and experience in wet-lab science, who will support and lead cancer genomic research projects. The successful candidate will join the laboratory of Prof. Bradley Bernstein and work primarily with a senior postdoctoral fellow, in addition to assisting with general lab management. The technician will be responsible for carrying out experiments and analyzing data related to an ongoing research project focused on viral-like elements in the human genome and their role in lung cancer treatment response. This is part of a close collaboration with Prof. Matthew Oser, who will also help oversee the research and provide mentorship, but the position is based in the Bernstein lab. The technician will be trained by the lab manager, fellow technicians, and the senior post-doctoral fellow with background in medical oncology. They will work closely with peers in the laboratory as a supportive member and in turn will receive training and career mentoring from Dr. Bernstein and senior lab members. There will be the opportunity to attend scientific retreats and conferences, present papers at Journal Club, and present research progress at weekly lab meetings. A two-year commitment is required.

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 physicians/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Performs standard experimental procedures as assigned (e.g., pipetting, cell culture, PCR, Western blotting, etc.)
• Is responsible for culture of cancer cell lines and designs, executes, and troubleshoots gene editing protocols – including CRISPR-Cas9 editing and CRISPR interference.
• Prepares DNA and RNA for high-throughput sequencing and develops a fluency in long-read Nanopore sequencing to eventually perform independently.
• Analyzes gene expression by quantitative RT-PCR
• Performs cancer-immunologic assays to detect the expression and immunogenicity of candidate tumor antigens.
• Shares in general lab-management duties with the other technicians and lab members.
• Sets up and prepares routine experiments as directed.
• Conducts analysis and interpretation of observed results.
• Responsibly maintains reagents, data, and records for all experiments
• 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
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings
• 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
• Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred. Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the life sciences (minimum).
• 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
• Technically meticulous when conducting experiments.
• Highly organized in record-keeping.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Prior research experience in a related biological research area (beyond classroom setting).
• Prior experience in genomics and/or gene-editing is a strong plus.
• Prior experience in programming (eg, Python or R), or interest in learning basic programming, is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or chemistry, with no prior professional experience necessary. Candidates will learn and apply technical principles, processes, and concepts, use institutional policies to address routine issues, and work on problems of limited scope. The role involves following standard practices to analyze situations or data and building stable internal working relationships.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No supervisory responsibilities. Normally receives detailed instructions on all work.

PATIENT CONTACT:None

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.

EEO Poster

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).

$47,500.00 - $51,300.00