Research Technician, Cancer Center

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Hata Lab in the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center is seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong scientific background for a two year, 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. The position available is part of a model development team whose primary goal is to generate and characterize novel lung cancer cell line and mouse models from clinical tumor biopsies. These "first-of-a-kind" lung cancer models comprise the major discovery platform for projects throughout the lab and have enabled numerous therapeutic advances in the clinic.

This position is ideal for someone who has recently completed their undergraduate studies (last 1-2 years) looking to expand their laboratory research skills in a translational research setting and while making contributions to the rapidly-evolving field of cancer therapeutics prior to attending graduate school. This opportunity is designed to provide an enhanced experience for prospective graduate (PhD) and medical (MD, MD/PhD) students during their gap years and provides excellent opportunities for leadership and career development, as well as co-authorship on manuscripts. This position is not designed for those with PhDs or extensive post-baccalaureate experience. Previous experience in a cancer research lab, working with mammalian cell culture, or working with mice is not required, however undergraduate research experience in a biologically relevant field is preferred. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who is highly motivated, detail-oriented, and works well both independently and on a team.

The candidate will work alongside a team of 3 other research technicians in a BL2 laboratory and an ALAAC accredited small animal facility associated with the Hata Lab in the MGH Cancer Center. This model development team functions independently in the lab and reports directly to the PI, while at the same time interfacing with post-doctoral fellows and other research technicians to support multiple basic and translational projects. In addition, the model development team works closely with oncologists and clinical research staff who coordinate collection of tumor biopsies for model development.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Generation of patient-derived cell lines from clinical tumor biopsy samples
• Processing clinical tumor and blood samples
• Aseptic mammalian cell culture technique, including cell line maintenance, cryopreservation, etc.
• Microscopy
• Basic molecular biology including DNA isolation and PCR
• Cell viability and apoptosis assays
• Generation of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models from clinical tumor biopsy samples
• Implantation and serial propagation of lung tumors in immunocompromised mice
• Treating tumor-bearing mice with targeted therapies and assessing tumor response
• Coordination with clinical research staff for clinical tumor sample procurement
• Organization and maintenance of written and electronic records of samples, experimental procedures and data generated
• Generation and interpretation of experimental results
• Participation in weekly lab meetings and joint translation project meetings with laboratory and clinical project teams
• Responsibility for ordering common laboratory reagents and general lab maintenance

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors of Science or similar degree in biological sciences
• Prior laboratory research experience with demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies
• Evidence or prior demonstration of leadership and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• The Research Technician should also possess:
• Analytical skills and the ability to resolve problems
• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results
• Attention to detail in experimental techniques and record-keeping
• Working knowledge of data management programs
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives, and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.