Research Associate for Golub Lab

16 February 2023

This program is for a research technician to start this summer 2023. For seniors who will be graduating this spring. Learn more and apply.

In addition, applicants should send a cover letter and CV to trgapplications@broadinstitute.org. Please feel free to also email me at mvall@broadinstitute.org with any questions.

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is looking for an exceptional candidate for a Research Associate position in the Golub Lab. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort to define the molecular basis of hematologic malignancies and define novel therapeutic strategies for these difficult to treat cancers.

Project description and duties: We are looking for a highly motivated research associate interested in pursuing PhD, MD or MD/PhD training with an interest in basic and translational cancer genomics research. The lab focuses on using functional genomics including CRISPR technologies and chemical biology screens to define mechanisms of cancer development, evolution, and metastasis with an eye toward developing novel therapeutic strategies. The Research Associate will be involved in wet-lab projects involving CRISPR gene perturbation in primary CD34 cells and cancer cells, phenotypic characterization of gene knockouts, next-generation sequencing, and various cellular and biochemical assays to interrogate gene candidates and develop mechanistic insights.

He/she will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that evaluates new technologies and approaches to discover and validate systemic cancer biology. The candidate is expected to work largely independently after training but will be closely mentored by the principal investigators and senior researchers of the group. The individual will have the opportunity to widen their vision about cancer research through interacting with multiple collaborating laboratories at the Broad. The Broad Institute provides a vibrant research environment with close links to top academic institutions across the Boston Area and provides the potential for individuals’ contributions to be used and recognized worldwide.

Learning outcomes: Development of research skills in experimental design, data analysis, molecular biology techniques, and reading the scientific literature will be emphasized. RAs will be encouraged to think creatively about their research ideas and be given the opportunity to build their own instincts as scientists. Longer term mentorship will be focused on career development as well as application to graduate or medical school programs.

Characteristic Duties

  • Learn and execute in vitro CRISPR screens
  • Learn and execute an existing pipeline of in vitro bioassays and high-dimensional phenotypic readouts
  • Handle large-scale mammalian cell culture, ranging from historical cancer cell lines to primary CD34 cells and primary patient samples
  • Learn, execute, and further develop protocols and explore novel genomics technologies
  • Work closely in collaboration with computational scientists, with Broad platforms, DFCI facilities, and collaborators
  • Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to complete investigations
  • Prepare, order, and maintain stocks of necessary reagents, solutions and supplies
  • Document, compile, and analyze experimental data
  • Attend team meetings, present results, plan projects and experiments

Skills and Abilities

  • Great attention to detail
  • Ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment, large complex experiments, and large data sets
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time-management skills
  • Proactive in identifying problems and solutions to address them
  • Possess a high level of initiative and the ability to work independently
  • Prior background in computer science or bioinformatics (R programming/MATLAB, or Python) is a plus but not mandatory

Qualifications

  • Bachelor degree in Biology or related field required
  • 0-2 yrs of experience working in a scientific research setting is a plus
  • Familiarity with basic cell culture, molecular biology, recombinant DNA and protein biochemistry, strongly desired
  • Familiarity with flow cytometry is desirable

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.