Research Technician, Cancer Center

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The MGH Cancer Center's Process Development Laboratory seeks a full-time Research Technician I to aid in the advancement of our translational research platform. The Process Development Laboratory serves as an advanced facility dedicated to translating cutting-edge cellular immunotherapy research into clinical applications. This position offers an ideal opportunity for ambitious candidates eager to contribute as trusted members of a scientific team pioneering with state-of-the-art technologies, poised for clinical trials. It presents a unique environment for scientific growth and collaboration.

Research Technician I is a full-time position that serves to assist Principal Investigators in a research laboratory. Primary responsibilities are to assist in experiments for research projects under supervision of the project head and the PI of the laboratory. This includes collection of and accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, and participation in joint upkeep of the lab. This position requires a person who has Bachelor of Science degree in molecular/cell biology or a related field, pays attention to details, is capable of working independently after training, possesses good verbal and written communication skills, and works well as part of a team.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Principal duties are to assist in preparation of and assist with experiments for research projects under supervision of the project head and the PI of the laboratory. Specifically, the lab is part of the MGH Cancer Center and the focus of the Maus lab is CAR-T cell therapies.

The successful candidate will manage daily laboratory operations, adhering to current Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP) and progressing towards expertise in Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work with blood products on a small and large scale.

• Performing tissue culture, viral transduction, and cell selection.

• Handling cryopreservation and thawing of clinical and research samples.

• Conducting analytical procedures such as flow cytometry, qPCR, ddPCCR, and RNA sequencing.

• Contributing to the development and optimization of cGMP-compliant manufacturing processes.

• Assisting in the creation and execution of validation protocols.

• Participating in identifying critical product quality attributes and developing product specifications.

• Establishing, maintaining, and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Managing ordering and inventory maintenance.

• Overseeing equipment maintenance, calibration, and validation.

• Training new laboratory members.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Must be realistic, objective, measurable and related to essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work independently and as team member

• Analytical skills and ability to resolve technical problems

• Ability to interpret acceptability of data results

• Working knowledge of data management programs with a high degree of computer literacy.

• Demonstrated competence in research techniques and methodologies.

• Careful attention to detail

• Must be self-motivated

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

EDUCATION:

Bachelor's degree in biology or physical science required.

EXPERIENCE:

0 - 1 years research and laboratory experience are required, which could be gained as part of undergraduate education/training. Laboratory exposure to molecular biology, cell biology, and/or microbiology.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Basic research laboratory.