Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) is seeking a Research Associate / Animal Technician to support the research activities at the Lurie Family Imaging Center (LFIC).  The LFIC is a state-of-the-art 14,000-square foot preclinical facility, fully equipped with housing and procedure rooms, as well as a suite of in vivo imaging scanners. The Research Associate will integrate with a highly skilled team of Research Associates and Scientists, and report directly to the LFIC Scientific Director. This individual will have access to a best-in-class training with mouse handling, husbandry, and procedures, and will actively participate in preclinical research studies. The in vivo studies conducted at the LFIC are focused on cancer research, with an emphasis on in vivo pharmacology, the assessment of novel cancer therapeutics, and multimodality imaging of cancer, and provide key information for the improvement of cancer patient treatment and care.

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/staff; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate and perform mouse imaging studies for cancer research and drug discovery
• Analyze and prepare data for discussion with investigators.
• Participate in collaborative projects with CBIO/LFIC imaging technologists, scientists, clinicians and staff as well as counterparts in DFCI clinical environments to design and perform studies with a translational emphasis.
• Ensure compliance local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use of laboratory animals in addition to DFCI institutional guidelines and policies.
• Induce and maintain anesthesia and administer medications, fluids and blood products as prescribed by the scientist (IV, IP, SQ, PO administration).
• Will assist with the establishment and maintenance of mouse cancer models (e.g., by injection or minor surgery).
• Maintain treatment records and inventory of all pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies, and help with other administrative tasks.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS: (Education, certifications, years of experience)

1. High school diploma required.
2. LAT preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• 1-2 years of work experience in small animal studies in academia or industry preferred.
• Knowledge in animal studies including IP, IV, SQ injections, oral gavage, blood collection, and minor surgical procedures preferred (e.g., renal capsule implants, mammary fat pad implants, prostate implants).
• Individual must be able to safely handle, restrain, perform treatments, and euthanize laboratory mice as directed. An understanding of mouse breeding colony maintenance required for establishing breeding colony pairs, sexing animals, weaning pups and entering colony data on cage cards and in computer database.
• Individual must understand and follow the local, state, federal and DFCI regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use of laboratory animals
• Previous experience working with infectious agents (ABSL-2/3 level) would be helpful but      not required.  In-house training will be provided prior to working in ABSL-2/3 areas.
• Must be organized and meticulous in record keeping.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with members of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills are required.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS (Responsible for on-call, 24  hr. coverage, etc.):

Will be working within the Lurie Imaging Center (LFIC), a  14,000 square-foot animal research and imaging facility. The LFIC will house 3,200 mouse cages and will feature preclinical MRI, bioluminescence, fluorescence, ultrasound, CT, and micro PET/CT scanners.  May be required to provide weekend coverage as needed for continuous treatments.

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.