GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW:

The position of Senior Research Scientist in the Boland lab will perform independently and efficiently work to support the Jackson 9 Translational Research Group's endeavors. This position assists Instructors and Principal Investigators as part of ongoing Team Science efforts on J9, independently coordinating and running experiments with minimal supervision by the project head or the PI. The primary goal of this position is to establish and run a core bench science system conducted primarily using ex vivo patient-derived tumor models (patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids, PDOTS). Projects using this core resource will investigate mechanisms of response and resistance to cancer immunotherapy to examine novel therapeutic strategies. The samples will be derived from surgical specimens obtained from the operating rooms and conducted under IRB approved protocols. The level of complexity of this work is high, with requisite knowledge of cancer cell biology, T cell biology, basic immunology, cancer immunology, and 3D tumor modeling. Further, this position involves project management experience, experience supervising multiple research technicians, and experience working with multiple end users. This position will effectively head this core resource to support multiple research directions using this technology, and will develop novel technologies as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PDOTs CORE:

• Ex vivo 3D microfluidic culture, drug/antibody treatment of murine- and patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids (MDOTS/PDOTS) and cell line derived monotypic tumor spheroids (MTS).
• Work on developing augmented 3D microfluidic organotypic tumor spheroid cultures using matched (autologous) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or CD3+ enriched peripheral T lymphocytes co-culture with MTS/PDOTS.
• Work in on industry sponsored research agreements and academic collaborative projects to evaluate various cancer therapeutics and treatment strategies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, small molecule targeted therapies, and bi-specific T cell engagers, and cellular therapies (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor T cells, CAR-T cells) using 3D microfluidic culture of MDOTS/PDOTS and MTS.
• Perform requisite fluorescence-based viability assessment of MDOTS, PDOTS, and MTS, including staining, microscope operation, image acquisition and image analysis.
• Maintain internal records related to MDOTS, PDOTS, and MTS processing along with associated meta-data.
• Contribute to scientific writing and creation of data figures to be included in research publications reporting novel discoveries made in the lab.
• Explore novel data visualization tools, with emphasis on integrating diverse datatypes and extracting clinically relevant insights.

General Laboratory Operation

• Installs and maintains laboratory equipment in compliance with federal regulations. Develops and implements quality assurance programs relating to calibration and maintenance of equipment; monitors and troubleshoots equipment, referring to PI as needed. Resolves technical problems.
• Advises on technical procedures, techniques and equipment, and maintains conformance with specific operational standards.
• Performs purchasing, maintains inventory and respond to related inquiries.
• Coordinates lab schedules for meetings and presentations.
• Provides instruction to new staff in various laboratory techniques, including common molecular biology skills such as cell culture ELISA, FACS vector design and construction, PCR, DNA cloning protein analysis and protein production / purification and storage.
• Supervises the activity of laboratory technicians and assists post-doctoral fellows with new techniques and protocols.
• Develops and implements laboratory(s) policies and procedures in conjunction with the PIs. Writes, updates and maintains laboratory protocols and safety guidelines. Maintains MAPS, Standard Operating Procedures.
• Monitors compliance with good animal laboratory practice in accordance with IACUC requirements, ensuring staff are trained and adhere to requirements.
• Oversees chemical safety and biosafety training and records for the lab.
• Monitors all lab personnel for adherence to NRC guidelines and MGH safety standards; ensures all training is completed.
• Assists in the MTA process, including completing and filing forms as well as following through on material requested in or out of the laboratory.
• Assist with writing grants and efforts to obtain research funding for the lab.

Other

• Participates in meetings, projects and committees as needed.
• Performs other work as assigned.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• Advanced knowledge of laboratory research practices, protocols, equipment, safety and regulations.
• Proficient in routine to complex laboratory techniques with the ability to execute novel procedures; has the scientific acumen to develop new procedures and directions in area of study.
• Aptitude for and technical problem solving; technical skills to troubleshoot and maintain equipment.
• Able to instruct and oversee the work of others; able to serve as mentor.
• Strong organizational skills to coordinate routine lab operations and formulate and complete time tables; must complete assigned jobs within a given timeline, communicating with the supervisors immediately if the given job cannot be done timely.
• Excellent oral and written skills; skilled in technical documentation and analysis with the ability to document and send weekly reports (by each Thursday) listing accomplished tasks, ongoing tasks, problems and work plans for the upcoming week.
• Excellent work habits demonstrating attention to detail, productivity, timeliness and responsiveness along with adaptability to a changing work environment
• Properly uses personal protective equipment.
• Proficient in Office and database software.
• Specific PDOTs proficiency to establish core:
  • 2D and 3D cell culture (especially 3D microfluidic culture of organotypic tumor spheroids).
  • Cell viability studies (including IncuCyte live cell image analysis).
  • Secreted protein profiling (ELISA, Luminex).
  • Fluorescence microscopy.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

Doctoral Degree required, preferably in biology, biochemistry, or a related quantitative discipline.

EXPERIENCE:

5 years of experience with 3D microfluidic culture, working with patient-tumor tissue, and supervising up to three technicians.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

Supervising up to three FTEs (research technicians).

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

Responsible for collaborating on fiscal planning for the laboratory in conjunction with the laboratory manager and grant manager.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Basic research laboratory setting with potential for working in the vivarium.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.