Research Lab Tech I, Pathology - Brigham and Women’s Hospital : Job Details

General Summary/Overview Statement:

The research assistant has a key role in identifying therapeutic strategies in pediatric and adult cancers. Previous studies by the lab have led to the identification of new therapeutic mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for cancer. The research assistant will juxtapose genomic, protein (immunoblotting), and drug-response studies to identify drugs that target essential biologic features in several related types of cancer. The research assistant will also help develop novel, high-throughput, techniques that allow potential cancer drugs to be evaluated far more efficiently than has been previously possible. Ideally, the research assistant will look forward to preparing manuscripts for publication in high-impact science and medicine journals, so strong writing ability is a plus. Perfect opportunity for someone planning to attend medical or graduate school in 2-3 years!

This laboratory is primarily interested in the biology and therapeutics of cancer.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Contributes to genomic and proteomic screens to identify novel therapeutic targets in human cancer. Performs tumor cell cultures and evaluates effects of treating tumor cultures with novel therapies. Carries out standard methods of molecular biology, including: genomic (DNA, RNA) analyses by high-throughput sequencing, protein analyses by immunoblotting, and drug response assays.

2. Records data, summarizes and analyzes results using basic statistics.

3. Reports on progress of work at weekly laboratory seminars.

4. Assists in preparing laboratory reagents and chemicals.

5. Functions as a key team member in preparing high-impact publications.

6. Helps train new research assistants and postdoctoral fellows in standard methods of molecular biology.

7. Maintains established departmental policies, procedures and objectives, including the areas of quality assurance, safety, environmental affairs and infection control.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree in a biological/physical science required.

Some laboratory experience desired. Undergraduate coursework or projects will also be considered as appropriate experience and may be credited upon hire if project(s) used methods relevant to our lab research.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies Required:

Ability to carry out procedures in a coordinated multi-step manner with appropriate consultation.

Ability to methodically record data and to analyze data using basic statistics.

Ability to contribute to manuscript drafts.

Ability to prioritize work.

Working Conditions:

Normal laboratory environment. Lab contains approximately 4-5 workers, including post-doctoral fellows, residents, and technicians.

Occasional processing of human blood and tissues, e.g. for DNA and protein preparations. Minimal risk when established protocols are followed.