Research Technician - Mancias Lab

Overview

The laboratory of Joseph Mancias, MD, PhD at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA is inviting applications for a funded Research Technician position to begin spring/summer 2025.

The Mancias Lab studies critical aspects of the biology of pancreatic cancer to develop novel therapeutic approaches. Areas of emphasis are on the role of selective autophagy and iron metabolism in pancreatic cancer molecular pathogenesis (Mancias et al., Nature 2014; Mancias et al., eLife 2015; Santana-Codina et al., Cancer Discovery 2022, Hoelzgen, Nguyen et al. Nature Communications 2024). We are also interested in identifying the biochemical pathways and signaling networks that mediate pancreatic cancer treatment resistance, including to targeted inhibitors (e.g. oncogenic KRAS inhibitors, immunotherapy and radiotherapy (Biancur et al., Nature Communications 2017; Santana-Codina et al., Cell Reports 2020, Zhang et al. bioRxiv 2024).

The lab takes a comprehensive approach to study our questions combining biochemical, quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics, CRISPR genetic screens (in vitro and in vivo), cell biological, and mouse modeling techniques.

This individual will be an important member of our research team and will be involved in assisting research projects utilizing several techniques that are fundamental to the workflow of the Mancias Lab. Training is available in all aspects of experimental research.

In addition to the bench-based research, responsibilities will also include some aspects of laboratory coordination and organization shared by the Research Technicians. This includes mainly ordering, maintaining equipment and lab wide resources.

For more information on the lab, please visit here : https://manciaslab.dana-farber.org/ and here: https://twitter.com/ManciasLab

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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cell culture and perform drug treatments.
• Perform cellular and molecular experiments on mouse and human cells, including real-time PCR, western blot, microscopy, and mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics.
• Assist in the maintenance of a mouse colony and in vivo experiments such as drug treatments.
• Contribute to the preparation and presentation of written or oral progress reports concerning studies and assist in publication of results by generating data, editing, and contributing ideas.
• Assist with the coordination and organization of a lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with a major in biological sciences preferred
• The candidate should ideally have at least one year of laboratory experience beyond coursework
• Prior experience handling and working directly with mouse models is desirable but not required
• Must have excellent communication skills and be able to keep accurate experimental records
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems
• Must have close attention to detail and consistent work habits
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Must have good time management

Note: This is a great position for an individual interested in attending a biomedical graduate school program or medical school (or MD/PhD program). Mentoring for graduate/medical school applications is available through the principal investigator as well as clinical shadowing opportunities. Prior research technicians in this position have gone on to medical school and graduate school and have been first author and/or co-author on peer-reviewed publications by the time they left the laboratory.

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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