Research Technician - Center for Patient Derived Models

Research Technician - Center for Patient Derived Models May 20, 2026 $48K - $51K The Center for Patient Derived Models (CPDM) at DFCI is seeking applicants for the position of Research Technician. The position will be mentored and supervised by the Center Director (Dr. Keith Ligon) and Co-Director. CPDM is an integrated research Center at the DFCI which seeks to advance modeling science by performing research on patient-derived xenografts, organoids, cell lines, and personalized drug screening of fresh patient cells using innovative and high content approaches. The applicant will work to advance our knowledge of precision medicine, cancer biology, treatment and diagnostics in all adult and pediatric cancer types. Applicants hired to this position will apply modern cutting‑edge techniques to create and study patient derived models of cancer (patient derived cell lines, patient derived xenografts, and cancer immunotherapy models, and Avatars). The Research Technician will assist scientists in performing scientific research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity. In general, they will assist in the setup, operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments, making observations and calculating and recording results. 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 position will involve use of in‑vitro and in‑vivo methods to develop and study patient cancer models that can aid in novel targeted therapy development and diagnosis of treatment effects. Applicants will participate in preclinical studies in PDX mouse trials, high‑throughput screening, high‑content screening, stem cell methods, and preclinical and clinical trials execution and support. Applicants with prior experience in the a few of following are preferred: animal research and procedures (mouse/PDX), cell culture (2D, 3D and primary cell culture), preclinical, human research, pathology, and drug screening techniques. Developing independence will be fostered, and opportunities for intellectual input and contribution to manuscripts will also be readily available. The position will have opportunity to interact with a wide range of clinicians and scientific collaborators. Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas and may be responsible for ordering of supplies. Collaborates with Purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with vendors Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, drugs, and animals Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings, including grant preparation and presentations, and look for opportunities to co‑author publications. May be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required Maintains detailed notebook of all work‑related activities Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to each laboratory Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures Uses computers, computer‑interfaced equipment, robotics or high‑technology applications to perform work duties May be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy May be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, 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 Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks Ability to work within a team environment MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires a bachelor’s degree, preferably in biology or chemistry, with no prior professional experience necessary. Candidates will learn and apply technical principles, processes, and concepts, use institutional policies to address routine issues, and work on problems of limited scope. The role involves following standard practices to analyze situations or data and building stable internal working relationships. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No supervisory responsibilities. Normally receives detailed instructions on all work. PATIENT CONTACT: None At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusiveenvironment 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 compassionateprofessionals, 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. 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). $47,500.00 - $51,300.00 #J-18808-Ljbffr