Research Technician - Bando Lab

Overview

The Bandopadhayay Lab (www.bandolab.org) at DFCI (with co-affiliations with Boston Children’s Hospital and the Broad Institute) is seeking a motivated research assistant to join our efforts to find better treatments for children with brain tumors. We apply cutting-edge genomic technologies to identify drivers of childhood cancers and to determine mechanisms of resistance to current and novel treatments. Our lab is highly translational and spans efforts from acquiring patient samples to generating and analyzing high-throughput datasets from those samples. To that end, the individual will engage in experiments that utilize molecular biology techniques such as cell culture methods, recombinant DNA and gene transfer technology, and other cell biology assays. There will be opportunities to learn and assist in computational methods of analysis. The individual will also assist in daily laboratory operations and organization.

Required Education, Experience, and Skills A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent is required, preferably in the biological, biochemical, or computational sciences. We encourage all applicants that are enthusiastic about scientific discovery and are passionate about helping improve patient outcomes to apply. Prior research experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, or genetics is required. The ideal candidate will be a team player, highly self-motivated, and eager to engage in translational research. We are looking for candidates with a minimum of two years of availability, starting in summer 2024.

Bando Lab Mission and Culture Who we are and what we do We are a team of scientists who are dedicated to applying cutting edge methods and technologies to find better treatments for children with brain tumors. We are united in our mission to work as hard as we can, together as a team, and collaboratively with researchers in other programs, to find those treatments that are so desperately needed for thousands of children diagnosed with brain tumors around the world.

Diversity is essential in science and medicine We, the members of the Bando Lab, want to make the following statement concerning equality in the workplace. Our lab celebrates diversity, and we recognize that our team only stands to gain from including members with different backgrounds, ways of life, experiences, and opinions. We hold ourselves accountable for treating each other fairly and equally to create the best environment possible to succeed with our goals as researchers and individuals. Cancer does not discriminate, so to beat it, neither can we.

Immunization and vaccination statementAll members of the Bando lab must complete and adhere to all immunization and vaccination requirements that are required by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This includes up to date COVID-19 and Influenza vaccination.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Technician

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

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred. 
• 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.

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.

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 equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse 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 groups as protected by law.

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