Research Technician- Chowdhury Lab

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

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston seeks a research assistant to support scientists in biological, biochemical, and clinical tasks. You will assist in operating laboratory instruments, conducting experiments, collecting data, and preparing samples and notes for potential publications.

The role emphasizes accuracy, collaboration with faculty and staff, and adherence to safety practices while contributing to cancer research goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry; no prior professional experience required.
• Candidates will learn and apply technical principles and concepts; follow institutional policies.

Responsibilities

• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas; may order supplies and negotiate with vendors.
• Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and analyses, including information collection from substances.
• Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results; write reports and summaries; may co-author publications.
• May participate in grant applications and manuscript preparation as required.
• Maintains detailed notebook of all work-related activities.
• Monitors laboratory work to ensure EH&S compliance and SOP adherence.
• Keep up with literature and publications relevant to the position.
• May be responsible for development or improvement of SOPs.
• Uses computers or robotics to perform duties; may design and execute advanced experiments.
• May examine animals and specimens to detect disease or problems; may monitor budgets.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Chemistry knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry

Job description

The Chowdhury Lab investigates how human cells sense and repair DNA damage. Loss of genome integrity due to DNA damage has long been established as a critical contributor to cancer and tumorigenesis. Our work therefore focuses on how cells maintain genome integrity. Through genetic, biochemical, and proteomic approaches, as well as collaboration with structural biologists, computational biologists and mouse geneticists, we aim to achieve better understanding in cancer etiology and the development of effective cancer diagnoses and therapies. Whether it is searching for potential treatments for radiation exposure, or the causes and treatment of ovarian cancer, we strive for research that makes a positive impact.

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.

• 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

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

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

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.

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