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Mass General Brigham relies on a wide range of professionals, including doctors, nurses, business people, tech experts, researchers, and systems analysts to advance our mission. As a not-for-profit, we support patient care, research, teaching, and community service, striving to provide exceptional care. We believe that high-performing teams drive groundbreaking medical discoveries and invite all applicants to join us and experience what it means to be part of Mass General Brigham.

JOB SUMMARY

Summary:
Carries out a broad range of technically advanced research activities and procedures; evaluates conclusions and has considerable latitude to modify or devise methods and techniques as necessary to achieve desired results; typically supervises technical and sometimes administrative elements of the research unit. Helps onboard new staff and train them in the lab.

Essential Functions: Develop or have input into modifications of existing assay techniques, experimental protocols, or new procedures.

• Synthesizes and interprets results.
• Prepares written and/or verbal status reports.
• Performs statistical analysis and makes recommendations.
• Independently performs non-routine, highly specialized experimental procedures.
• Composes and may present sections of research reports and manuscripts.

QUALIFICATIONS

A laboratory research technician position is available in the lab of Dr. Steven Blum at the MGH Krantz Family Center for Cancer Research (KF-CCR). The Blum Lab aims to develop safer and more effective immunotherapy strategies for patients with solid tumors. Using patient samples, systems immunology approaches, and disease-relevant models, the lab will investigate the cellular and molecular drivers of treatment toxicity and resistance. Current efforts focus on two major challenges:
1. Understanding immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and their relationship to anti-tumor immunity in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.
2. Investigating peritoneal metastases and malignant ascites, a common complication of advanced cancers associated with poor survival. Initial projects are particularly focused on patients with gastric and esophageal cancers.
Our long-term goal is to uncover broadly applicable principles that inspire new therapeutic strategies and improve clinical care by maximizing anti-tumor immunity while minimizing harm.
The Blum Lab is located in a state-of-the-art research building on the main MGH campus, surrounded by world-class investigators across multiple disciplines. The lab is affiliated with the MGH Department of Medicine, the MGH Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, and the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, providing access to cutting-edge technologies and opportunities for collaboration across Boston’s vibrant biomedical community. It is a demanding and fast-paced environment that requires hard work, attention to detail, and an ability to interact well with others as part of a cohesive group. The lab values teamwork, scientific rigor, and curiosity, and it is committed to providing a supportive training environment for motivated scientists.
This position offers the opportunity to learn and employ systems immunology techniques, perform patient-derived ex vivo and in vitro functional assays, and apply single-cell genomics tools to address critical questions in human tumor immunology and autoimmunity. The role involves work in biosafety level 1, 2, and 2+ (BL1–BL2+) laboratory environments. Research technicians will be expected to work both independently and collaboratively with investigators, staff, clinicians, fellows, and students.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Life Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• For applicants with a Bachelor’s degree: >2 years of research experience preferred.
• For applicants with a Master’s degree: >1 year of directly related, full-time lab experience.
• Proficiency in basic lab techniques.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Flexibility to assist with processing occasional afternoon clinical samples.
• Proficiency with computer software, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web-based applications.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and conduct bench-level experiments, in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Lead small independent research projects.
• Perform laboratory experiments, which may include the following (note: knowledge of all techniques is not required to apply):
• Isolation and purification of primary cells from human and mouse samples
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting
• Cell culture for ex vivo and in vitro functional assays
• Fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
• Cellular perturbation using genetic and mRNA-based approaches
• Single-cell RNA/DNA/protein/ATAC-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics
• Molecular cloning
• Molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qPCR, sequencing library prep)
• Analyze experimental results, troubleshoot protocols, and suggest improvements.
• Document, compile, and interpret experimental data; maintain accurate laboratory records of samples, cell lines, and reagents.
• Operate, manage, and maintain complex lab equipment, including flow cytometers, fluorescence microscopes, and other instruments.
• Participate in lab meetings and contribute to collaborative discussions.
• Assist with general laboratory responsibilities, including inventory and coordination with vendors.
• Other tasks as required.

Essential Functions: Develop or have input into modifications of existing assay techniques, experimental protocols, or new procedures.

• Synthesizes and interprets results.
• Prepares written and/or verbal status reports.
• Performs statistical analysis and makes recommendations.
• Independently performs non-routine, highly specialized experimental procedures.
• Composes and may present sections of research reports and manuscripts