The Reinherz Lab at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School is recruiting a research technician to focus on the mechanobiology of T cell receptors (TCRs). In particular technician shall investigate how bond lifetime through TCR-pMHC binding under mechanical load resulting from cell movement impacts protective effector performance, memory T cell development, and cross-protection against heterosubtypic antigen. This work involves single cells transcriptomics, cell sorting, functional studies in vivo and in vitro, and detailed analysis of the repertoire of cells whose TCRs recognize the same ligand but with different functional responses. The findings shall be key to determining the small number of T cells in a broad repertoire that afford immune protection. The results shall be highly relevant to human viral infections and cancers. This area of research has the potential to revolutionize development of cytotoxic T cell vaccines to prevent viral infections including pandemic influenza as well as offering patients potential treatment for existing cancers via rational immunotherapy. The laboratory provides a rich training environment and access to cutting-edge techniques.

This position will assist scientists in performing research, development and/or clinical tasks of varying complexity. In general, this position will assist in the set-up, operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment, monitoring experiments and mouse colonies, making observations and calculating and recording results.

This position is funded for up to one year.  There is a possibility of an extension of this timeline by mutual agreement.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

• Investigate fundamentals of T cell performance and protection germane to cancers and infectious diseases. 
• The successful candidate will participate in projects requiring technical expertise involving live mouse handling including breeding, monitoring, blood collection, tissue harvest, flow cytometry, cell culture experiments such as transfection, transduction, and cell sorting, molecular cloning, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and harvesting of T cell populations from mouse tissues for single cell 10X experiments.
• 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.
• Breed, maintain and monitor several gene-deficient mouse colonies. Maintain detailed notebook of all work-related activities.
• Monitor 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.
• Use 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.

We seek a self-motivated candidate with a Bachelor's or Master's degree and experience in immunology or cell biology, molecular biology, and murine models.

Applications should send a CV with names of 2-3 references and their contact information. 

Attention to detail in executing experiments is essential.

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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