A full-time position is available for a highly motivated research technician to contribute to investigate T cell interactions in solid cancers, and in particular to the study T cell receptors and tumor antigens that elicit productive antitumor T cell responses. The project seeks to decipher the T cell receptors and the phenotypic properties driving the activity of T cells with high cytotoxic potential against human cancers. By gaining insights into the interactions that regulates the activity of cytotoxic T cells isolated from human tumors, we aim at understanding the mechanisms underlying the dysfunction of antitumor T cell responses in patients and at developing and validating in pre-clinical models novel therapeutic strategies that potentiate T cell responses against cancers.

The technician will contribute to develop new technologies to capture the specificity of T cells infiltrating human and mouse tumor specimens and to isolate immunogenic tumor antigens from human tumors. The laboratory uses a variety of techniques in molecular biology, immunology, cell culture, screening, peptidomics, and single cell technologies for mapping the antigen specificity of millions of T cells in human and murine samples. Under the supervision of a senior scientist, the technician will be responsible of collecting and processing of human samples for single-cell profiling; he/she will conduct cellular immunology workflows, cloning of T cell receptors, screening their antigenic specificity and setting up novel assays to capture the tumor antigens recognized by T cells. Finally, the technician will contribute to in vivo experiments aimed at testing the activity of gene-modified T cells in mice bearing patient-derived xenografts or murine tumors.

The technician should have excellent record-keeping skills and a drive to develop and learn novel tools for immune profiling. Training is available in all protocols and procedures; experience in molecular biology for the generation of screening libraries and/or in mouse models is strongly preferred. The position is available from early 2025 and >1 year of availability is strongly desired.

Lab website: https://wulab.dfci.harvard.edu/

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.

The candidate will be expected to independently carry out essential research functions in the laboratory that include but are not limited to experience in immune assays and in cellular and molecular biology techniques.

Specifically, the candidate is expected to:

• contribute to a dedicated research project with supervision and mentoring from a senior scientist

• provide intellectual and interactive commitment to the position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications;

• design and execute standardized molecular, immunological or biochemical experiments including the collection of information and samples from human blood and tissue

• perform experimental procedures in mice

• analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings including grant preparation, presentations, and co-authored publications;

• participate in formal and informal presentations of results to laboratory and staff

• participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required;

• collaborate well with laboratory members and broader DFCI and Boston scientific community

• maintain detailed notebooks of all work-related activities;

• monitor laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information, as well as the standard operating procedures specific to each laboratory.

• set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment;

• clean and maintain work areas

• order supplies necessary to conduct experiments

• be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures;

• use computers, computer-interfacing equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties;

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research Technician

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

The ideal candidate should possess strong communication and organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to perform in a team environment. An interest in pursuing advanced education in MD, PhD, or MD-PhD programs in the future is preferred.

The position requires:

• a bachelor's degree, with a major in biology or chemistry preferred;

• previous laboratory experience, with work in molecular biology, cell culture or immune assays and murine models preferred;

• knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry or immunology is preferred;

• excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff;

• the ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems;

• strong attention to detail and thorough completion of work tasks;

• the 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 characteristics protected by law.

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