Description & Requirements
The Broad Institute is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position of Process Development Associate I within the PRISM team, a component of the Cancer Program. Dedicated to transforming medicine, the Broad Institute works to significantly accelerate the understanding and treatment of disease. As part of this important mission of the Broad, the Cancer Program is advancing the understanding of oncology therapeutics through the systematic profiling of oncology therapeutics using the PRISM technology of large-scale screening of more than 900 cell lines.
To support our mission, we are looking for a motivated and high-energy individual to join the PRISM team to execute innovative, high-throughput lab processes in support of production screens. By leveraging the PRISM technology, we routinely screen over 900 DNA-barcoded cell lines against hundreds of therapies in a pooled format, achieving much greater speed than conventional cell line screening methods. The true capability of PRISM stems from our deep understanding of the baseline and functional genomic characteristics of these cell lines from the Cancer Dependency Map. Each test agent evaluated yields not only viability data, but also extensive genomic correlations and multivariate analyses, offering a comprehensive view of drug behavior.
The chosen candidate will be responsible for processing samples throughout the PRISM screening workflow, including assisting with cell plating, running automated and semi-automated liquid handlers, and large-scale gDNA extractions for library construction. Other responsibilities include maintaining compound and chemical inventories, creating compound assay plates and performing quality-control assessments of our workflows and equipment. Applicants must have basic experience with molecular biology techniques, familiarity with mammalian cell culture, and uphold high quality standards through precise lab documentation and adherence to standard operating procedures. Strong communication skills are crucial for success within this collaborative team environment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
·Generate large-scale cell-based assay data to support high-throughput production screens
·Assist with large-scale cell plating/treatments for production screens
·Perform high-throughput gDNA extractions and library construction for NextGen sequencing
·Maintain comprehensive lab records, experimental write-ups, and processing notes using an electronic lab notebook (eLabNext)
·Prepare and maintain stocks of reagents, solutions, and lab supplies, managing chemical inventory and compound QC
·Perform basic maintenance on automated lab equipment (e.g., plate washers, combi liquid dispensers, Hamilton automated liquid handlers)
·Investigate issues that arise during screens and help create and precisely execute actionable resolution plans
·Maintain and update SOPs to accurately reflect any changes in production protocols
·Collaborate with the automation team to draft and finalize SOPs for new methods prior to production implementation
·Assist in data QC and review, utilizing an internal data visualization tool
·Participate in team meetings to share results, plan projects, and ensure alignment with current team goals
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
·BS/BA in Biology, Biomedical Engineering or related fields
·1 + year experience in a biological research environment, additional experience with mammalian cell culture is preferred
·Knowledge of high-throughput screening and and/or experience working in a high throughput production setting is desired, but not required
·Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR, DNA extractions, etc
·Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to effectively work as part of a team
·Strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills, including the ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment
·Strong attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
