Animal Research Technician - Tothova Lab - Dana Farber

The laboratory of Zuzana Tothova, MD, PhD is a multi-disciplinary team of physician scientists, scientists and computational biologists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute. Our laboratory uses genomics and a range of molecular and cellular biological techniques to elucidate the molecular basis of cancer and hematologic disorders and to develop novel therapeutics. Our specific focus is to understand the role of chromatin modifiers and epigenetic factors and find novel therapeutic opportunities in myeloid malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia.

A full-time animal technical research associate position is available in the laboratory of Zuzana Tothova, MD, Ph.D. at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

We are seeking enthusiastic, self-motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, challenging research environment, and can interact well with others as part of a cohesive team. If you have a desire to make a significant impact in healthcare and have the fortitude to work hard, you will succeed within this team.

This is an ideal entry-level of mid-level position into the world of cutting-edge laboratory research.  A growth mindset and a willingness to take on challenging learning opportunities will be sought out traits. Ideal candidates will possess strong interpersonal skills along with a desire to help others to succeed.

Previous team members have gone on to successful academic and career opportunities; graduate/medical school, independent faculty, consulting and industry.

The successful candidate will support the labs ongoing in vivo experimentation, assisting on multiple research project, utilizing a variety of both in vivo and laboratory techniques, processing samples, and generating research data.

The Animal Technician is responsible for performing various animal husbandry duties in conventional, immunodeficient and transgenic/knockout rodent colonies. In addition, the Animal Technician will maintain animal rooms, monitor rodent colonies, and perform technical duties which may include medical treatments of rodents with minor injuries, emergency separations, and euthanasia.

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 Animal Research Technician will work under supervision to support the research team, performing a variety of in vivo techniques, including live-animal handling, administering treatments, injections, gavage, blood and tissue collection, dissections, sample processing in the lab, as well as some animal husbandry tasks, and record keeping.

Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to animal monitoring, cell culture work, isolation of primary cells from blood or bone marrow, genotyping, and assisting with general lab maintenance tasks, such as autoclaving operation, aliquoting reagents, and some routine equipment maintenance.

Routine handling, restraint, identification (including ear tagging) and sexing of laboratory mice. Ability to distinguish various common laboratory mouse strains in accordance with standardized genetic nomenclature and phenotype identification.

Responsible for monitoring animal colonies for injured, sick, moribund, or dead animals and recording/reporting any findings.

Monitoring “Emergency Separation Notices”, separating overcrowded cages as necessary, transcribing correct animal information onto cage cards after separations.

Perform experiments, which may be moderate to complex with increasing independence. Record data and review results with members of the research team.

Preclinical in-vivo work: mouse handling, administering treatments, injections, gavage, blood and tissue collection, dissections, tumor measurements, and sample processing in the lab.

Maintain and perform experiments with cells in tissue culture.

Assist with lab maintenance tasks, including autoclave operation, reagent aliquoting, and some equipment operation and minor maintenance. All other duties, as assigned.

We are looking for candidates with at least 2 years of availability.

B.A/B.S required with significant biological/physical science coursework preferred. Experience with research animal handling, animal husbandry and in vivoexperimentation is required.

1. High degree of computer literacy. Requires a working knowledge of basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and other related software.2
2. Sound analytical and organizational skills.
3. Good oral and written communication skills.
4. Must be able to logically and effectively structure tasks and set priorities.
5. Ability to identify potential problems and troubleshoot solutions.

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 groups as protected by law.

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