Featured Exosome Job – Research Fellow, Surgical Oncology

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Research Fellow is a full-time position under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Primary responsibilities are to work independently to design, organize and carry out experiments for research projects under the direction of the PI and to supervise technical support personnel. This includes collection of and accurate recording of procedures and results, maintenance of databases used in the lab, ordering necessary reagents to conduct experiments, participation in joint upkeep of the lab, and grant preparation as directed. This position requires a person who has a minimum of a Ph.D. in molecular/cell biology or a related field. The person must be reliable, pay attention to details, meticulous in record keeping, capable of working independently, possess superior verbal and written communication skills, and work well as part of a team.

The position is in the lab of Dr. Genevieve Boland in the Division of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Boland’s lab studies changes in the tumor and microenvironment in melanoma as a function of time and treatment status. Specifically, Dr. Boland’s lab is focused on analysis of circulating microvesicles, exosomes, as biomarkers in melanoma. Dr. Boland is currently looking to hire a research fellow to examine transcriptomic changes in patient-derived exosomes during treatment with targeted therapy and immunotherapy. There are also opportunities to collaborate with multiple groups across the Harvard system, as we have multiple ongoing collaborations to examine molecular and immunologic changes in patient tumors during systemic therapy.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Designs, organizes and carries out experiments. Assists with tumor banking endeavors. Independently modifies techniques as necessary to meet research and/or experimental needs. Carries out a wide range of complex lab techniques such as, but not limited to, western blotting, real-time PCR, histology, immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and cell culture work (i.e. drug treatment, siRNA transfection, microscopy, etc). Prior experience with bioinformatics and data analysis a plus.

• Synthesizes and interprets information obtained from graphs, charts, laboratory experiments, statistical          summaries and other data collection methods in order to develop new investigative techniques and/or to determine the most appropriate direction of research. Synthesis may involve use of computer programs.
• Prepares written reports on status of research, determination of technical procedures, including statistical and graphic summaries of findings and possible conclusions. Collaborates with PI in writing and editing material for publication.
• Writes and edits grant applications, including preparation of science section, detailed budgets and justification, and other sections as needed.
• Responsible for identifying and resolving all issues regarding animal/human protocols, radiation/isotope use, biohazards, etc. Ensures that correct paperwork has been done regarding the above and funnels this paperwork through the system, obtains required approvals from PI’s and Research Affairs, and maintains complete files of all such information.
• Operates and maintains moderate to complex lab equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges and other scientific equipment related to research activity.
• Provides functional guidance and immediate supervision to technical personnel when necessary.
• May teach moderately difficult to complex lab techniques to students and research personnel.
• Regularly attends and presents research findings at lab meetings.
• Writes and updates procedure manual including protocol and safety guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD. in biological, computational, or physical sciences.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop, Access, End Note, Pub Med, etc.
• Is knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements, including hospital policy and procedures (where applicable to the performance of the job), Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
• Is knowledgeable and compliant in all hospital, State and Federal regulatory requirements regarding lab safety, including Committee on Microbiological Safety (COMS), MGH Safety Programs – Chemical Hygiene Plan, Fire and Lab Safety, Chemical Waste Management, and Radiation Safety.

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