The Center for Patient Derived Models (CPDM) at DFCI is seeking applicants for the position of Research Technician. The position will be mentored and supervised by the Center Director (Dr. Keith Ligon) and Associate Director. CPDM is an integrated research Center at the DFCI which seeks to advance modeling science by performing research on patient-derived xenografts, organoids, cell lines, and personalized drug screening of fresh patient cells using innovative and high content approaches. Applicants are desired to have prior experience in laboratory and animal research methods. The applicant will work to advance our knowledge of precision medicine, cancer biology, treatment and diagnostics in all adult and pediatric cancer types. Applicants hired to this position will apply modern cutting-edge techniques to create and study patient derived models of cancer (patient derived cell lines, patient derived xenografts, and cancer immunotherapy models, and Avatars).

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Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

The position will involve use of in-vitro and in-vivo methods to develop and study patient cancer models that can aid in novel targeted therapy development and diagnosis of treatment effects. Applicants will participate in preclinical studies in PDX mouse trials, high throughput screening, high-content screening, stem cell methods, and preclinical and clinical trials execution and support. Applicants with prior experience in the a few of following are preferred: animal research and procedures (mouse/PDX), cell culture (2D, 3D and primary cell culture), preclinical, human research, pathology, and drug screening techniques.Â

Developing independence will be fostered, and opportunities for intellectual input and contribution to manuscripts will also be readily available. The position will have opportunity to interact with a wide range of clinicians and scientific collaborators.

• Design and execute experiments for projects in-line with the center’s mission and goals
• Perform various preclinical animal research methods in mouse models
• Perform routine cell and molecular biology work
• Handle and process patient tissue samples
• May perform in-vitro drug screens using state of the art methods
• 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.
• May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures.
• 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.

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Qualifications:

• • Bachelors or Masters degree. Experience in cancer cell & molecular biology, neuroscience, bioengineering, biochemistry, or related scientific field is preferred.
  • Excellent organization and data management skills are required.
  • Working knowledge of graphing software (Microsoft suite, Graphpad/prism) and/or basic coding (R/python) is highly desirable
  • We are looking for candidates who have at least two years of availability. Position is available immediately

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.

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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.

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