Lead Research Peptide Technician

Overview

The Walensky laboratory of cancer chemical biology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Research Peptide Technician whose primary responsibility will be the synthesis, analysis, purification, and quantitation of designer peptides under the direction of a principal investigator who serves as a physician, scientist, and educator.

Specific responsibilities will include executing and optimizing solid phase peptide synthesis conditions, daily operation and maintenance of a series of automated peptide synthesizers, performing reverse-phase HPLC to analyze and purify peptide products on Agilent LC/MS machines, and performing analytical methods to quantify peptide products. Additional daily tasks will include interfacing with lab members and collaborators, peptide database maintenance, and ensuring compound quality control and timely delivery.

The successful candidate will be a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with a strong interest in peptide synthesis. They will demonstrate the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, follow protocols precisely, maintain accurate records, and troubleshoot technical workflows in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. The role requires a candidate who can work independently under guidance, contribute to protocol optimization, and help coordinate peptide synthesis and analytical activities across lab projects. The ideal candidate will be a motivated team player with strong written and verbal communication skills, basic computer and data-management proficiency, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to contribute effectively to an interdisciplinary research team.

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 successful candidate will be a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with a strong interest in peptide synthesis. They will demonstrate the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, follow protocols precisely, maintain accurate records, and troubleshoot technical workflows in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment. The role requires a candidate who can work independently under guidance, contribute to protocol optimization, and help coordinate peptide synthesis and analytical activities across lab projects. The ideal candidate will be a motivated team player with strong written and verbal communication skills, basic computer and data-management proficiency, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to contribute effectively to an interdisciplinary research team.

Required Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related discipline with substantial chemistry coursework or hands-on synthetic/analytical chemistry experience
•    Minimum of four (4) years of related experience in an academic or industrial laboratory setting
•    Experience with synthetic chemistry, compound purification, HPLC, LC/MS, or related analytical chemistry workflows a plus
•    Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain accurate records in a fast-paced research environment
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team
Preferred Qualifications:
•    Master’s degree or equivalent training in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related chemistry-focused field strongly preferred
•    Direct hands-on experience with solid-phase peptide synthesis, peptide purification, and peptide characterization by HPLC and/or MS
•    Familiarity with laboratory automation platforms and instrumentation
•    Experience maintaining SOPs and contributing to process optimization
•    Experience independently troubleshooting protocols, instrumentation, or analytical workflows

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate 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.  

.

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$58,000.00 - $65,500.00