Technical Research Assistant

Technical Research Assistant

The Technical Research Assistant 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.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Laboratory environment: Works with animal colonies, toxic chemicals, biohazards, and substances emitting unpleasant odors.

• All aspects of this position expose personnel to animal fur and dander, which may be hazardous to those with allergic conditions. Disinfectants, detergents and soaps are used in the daily sanitation assignments.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Operation of centrifuge, anesthesia machine, autoclave, heat lamp, restrainer, calipers, scales, and other instruments as needed.

• B.A/B.S with significant biological/physical science coursework preferred. Experience with research animal handling, animal husbandry, and in vivo experimentation is required.
• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred. 
• 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.

SKILLS / ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

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

 
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.