The Walensky laboratory focuses on the chemical biology of deregulated protein interactions in cancer, metabolism, and infectious diseases. Our goal is to dissect and target pathologic protein interactions using multidisciplinary approaches that include (1) chemical and stapled peptide design, (2) rigorous biochemical, proteomic, and structural characterizations, (3) mechanistic validation in cells and mouse models of disease, and ultimately (4) clinical translation. We emphasize mechanistic biology, including (1) canonical and non-canonical roles of BCL-2 family apoptotic proteins, (2) the p53 and RAS pathways, (3) high priority metabolic, bacterial and viral targets, and (4) novel helix-in-groove interactions relevant to protein structure, function, and drug development.

See the Walensky group’s most recent publications for a sampling of the lab’s research projects and their multidisciplinary approach to scientific investigation:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=walensky+l&sort=date

Dr. Walensky is a chemical biologist and pediatric oncologist committed to advancing our understanding of fundamental cancer mechanisms and opportunities to target them with novel therapeutic strategies. Learn more at the Walensky lab’s website:

https://www.walenskylab.org/

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

For this Animal Research Technician position, the Walensky laboratory is seeking a skilled, motivated, organized, and intellectually curious individual with technical prowess who can expertly handle mice and perform animal husbandry, breeding and colony management, disease model development, treatment studies, tissue harvest and analysis, and technical procedures (e.g., minor survival surgery, blood draws, injections), in support of both basic and preclinical research studies, with a focus on cell death research, cancer and infectious disease models, and related experimental therapeutics. The ideal hire will be a full-fledged member of the Walensky laboratory’s interdisciplinary teams, driving critical in vivo research projects forward independently as well as supporting the execution of research projects conducted by graduate and postdoctoral trainees.

• Set up, adjust, calibrate, clean, maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Clean, maintain and prepare supplies and work areas and may be responsible for ordering of supplies. Collaborates with Purchasing and may be responsible for negotiating with vendors.
• Conduct standardized biological, microbiological or biochemical tests and laboratory analyses, including the collection of information and samples from organic substances, such as blood, drugs, and animals.
• Isolate, identify and prepare specimens for examination.
• Analyze experimental data and interpret results to write reports and summaries of findings, including grant preparation and presentations, and look for opportunities to co-author publications. May be expected to participate in formal and information presentations of results to staff. 
• Participate in grant application process and manuscript preparation as required.
• Maintains detailed notebook of all work-related activities.
• Monitors laboratory work to ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety information as well as the standard operation procedures specific to each laboratory.
• Expected to provide intellectual and interactive commitment to position by keeping up with appropriate literature and research publications.
• May be responsible for the development, modification and improvement of standard operating procedures.
• Uses computers, computer-interfaced equipment, robotics or high-technology applications to perform work duties.
• May be responsible for designing and executing advanced experiments and setting strategy. 
• May be responsible for the examination of animals and specimens to detect the presence of disease or other problems.
• May be responsible for monitoring laboratory budgets.

Research Technician

No supervisory responsibilities.  Normally receives detailed instructions on all work.

Bachelor’s degree required. At least 1 – 3 years working in an AAALAC-accredited laboratory animal facility strongly preferred. AALAS certification at the Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) or Laboratory Animal Technologist (LAT) level is preferred. Experience managing IACUC protocols a plus. Strong people skills, clear and proactive communication, collaborative spirit, and meticulous technical, organizational, and record keeping habits required.

• Bachelor's Degree required with a major in biology or chemistry preferred. 
• Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred.
• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of information and techniques related to either biology, chemistry, or medicine is preferred.
• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work with a wide variety of faculty and staff.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to address work-related issues and problems.
• Must have attention to detail and be thorough in completing work tasks.
• Ability to work within a team environment.

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 characteristics protected by law.

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