A multi-disciplinary team of researchers led by Dr. Mariella G. Filbin at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (with co-affiliation with the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard) seeks a Research Technician to join efforts to find new treatment strategies for pediatric brain tumors. Our team usescutting-edgesingle-cell genomics as well as gene-editing tools to understand the hierarchies of cancer cells within tumors and their interaction with the microenvironment, with a particular focus on cancer stem-cell programs and their translation into novel treatments. 

Responsibilities:

• Execute standardized pooled CRISPR-KO functional genomic screens in patient-derived cell line models of pediatric brain tumors, including both standard dependency and drug-anchored screens.

• Perform andoptimizeall experimental components of CRISPR screens, including cell culture, viral transduction, antibiotic selection, screen maintenance, harvest, genomic DNA extraction, and preparation of sequencing-ready libraries.

• Conduct standardized biological,molecularand biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection and processing of samples directly from patients.

• Conduct both single-cell and bulk RNA and DNA sequencing experiments from primary patient tumors.

• Analyze experimental data and interpret results towritereports and summaries of findings, including grant preparation and presentations, and look for opportunities to co-author publications. Mayparticipatein formal and information presentations of results to staff. 

• Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation asrequired.

• Maintain detailednotebookofall work-related activities.

• Comply withEnvironmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to the laboratory.

• Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up withappropriate literatureand research publications.

• Use computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics, or high-technology applications to perform work duties.

Maybe responsible fordesigning and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No supervisory responsibilities.  Normallyreceivesdetailed instructions on all work.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degreerequiredwith a major in molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics/genomicsor neuroscience preferred.

• Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including routine maintenance and experimental handling.

• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques, such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis.

• Ability to follow standard operating procedures precisely andmaintaindetailed, well-organized experimental records.

• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.

• Learns andusestechnical principles, processes, and concepts.  Applies Institute policies and procedures to resolve routine issues.  Works on problemsoflimited scope. 

• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data from which answers can be readily obtained. 

• Buildsstable working relationships internally.

• Knowledge of information and techniques relatedto eitherbiology, 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.

• Ability to work within a team environment.