Research Technician - Hata Lab Cancer Center

Mass General Brigham; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Mass General Brigham is seeking a highly motivated laboratory research technician for the Hata Lab in the Cancer Center. The role involves conducting experiments on drug resistance in lung cancer, offering recent graduates a chance to develop their research skills in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate research experience in a relevant biological field preferred.
• Competence in laboratory techniques and methodologies.
• Leadership and organizational skills evidence.

Responsibilities

• Stimulating, culturing, and assaying T cells/lines for activation.
• Performing mammalian tissue culture techniques.
• Coordinating with clinical research staff and extracting immune cells.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in biological sciences

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, primarily using 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 therapies, independent of small molecule inhibitors. Responsibilities include preparing and performing laboratory experiments, potentially 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 college graduates seeking to expand their laboratory research skills in a translational research setting and contribute to the evolving field of cancer immunotherapeutics. It offers excellent opportunities for leadership, career development, and co-authorship on scientific publications. Prior experience in immunology or cancer research, mammalian cell culture, or working with mice is not required but undergraduate research experience in a relevant biological field is preferred. We seek an enthusiastic, motivated, detail-oriented candidate who works well independently and in teams.

Qualifications

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Stimulating, culturing, and assaying 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 including plasmid construction, nucleic acid purification, DNA sequencing, and PCR.
• Coordinating with clinical research staff and extracting immune cells from blood and other samples. Potentially evaluating lung cancer models' sensitivity to T cell killing, establishing tumor xenografts, administering drugs, assessing tumor response, and harvesting tumor tissue.
• Organizing and maintaining records of samples, procedures, and data.
• Generating and interpreting experimental results; assisting in manuscript preparation and editing.
• Participating in weekly lab meetings and collaborative project meetings.
• Ordering reagents and maintaining laboratory equipment.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science or similar degree in biological sciences.
• Prior laboratory research experience demonstrating competence in techniques and methodologies.
• Leadership and organizational skills evidence.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies:

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret data results.
• Attention to detail in experiments and record-keeping.
• Working knowledge of data management programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Additional 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, religion, 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.