Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Harvard Medical School) Work Values

Daily Duties at Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Harvard Medical School):

# Jul 2009 - Present, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA *Project 1: NSCLC radiosensitization by activation of apoptosis via DUBs inhibition • To identify novel radiosensitizers, we performed a whole genome pooled shRNA screen in NSCLC cell lines with fractionated ionizing radiation (IR). DUBs, a deubiquitinase, was a differential top hit. DUB knockdown via RNAi and inhibition via small molecule inhibitor shows synergistic cytotoxicity with IR in NSCLC and trigger apoptosis, we studied the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of DUB small molecule inhibitor on NSCLC for the potential use in clinical settings. • Research article describing this research work is under preparation *Project 2: Whole Genome RNAi Screen Identifies Proteasome Inhibition as a Strategy for NSCLC Radiosensitization • Novel radiosensitizers may improve the therapeutic index of RT for lung cancer patients. We performed whole genome pooled RNAi screens using the Hannon-Elledge library, in two NSCLC cell lines A549 and NCI-H460 • Proteasome inhibition emerged as a top drug target of an RNAi screen designed to identify targets with sustained activity over multiple cell generations. Its synergistic impact on NSCLC viability when coupled with fractionated RT should be further explored in preclinical studies and early clinical trials • Research article describing this research work is under preparation

What they like about Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Harvard Medical School):

Working in an organization that is technologically advanced, creative, and innovative is critical in your assessment of hiring companies. Less important to you are stability of the organization, the length of time an organization has been in business, and the business' plans for the future. You prefer a fast-moving company that will take risks to achieve its goals and objectives. The length of time the company has been in business is irrelevant. Maintaining status quo is unnecessary. You thrive on change, uncertainty and the upside of potential business risks, especially those associated with innovation. Stability for the long haul is not nearly as important as is working in an atmosphere that is charged with a sense of urgency and constant change.

Tags

Drug Discovery, Target Validation, Molecular Biology, Cancer Research, invitro biology, invivo biology, translational research, functional genomics, Biomedical Research, Pharmacokinetics, Oncology, Biomarkers

Skills

Requirements Analysis & Specification, mammalian cell culture, colorimetric and fluorimetric assays, spectrophotometry DNA cloning, PCR, DNA ligation and transformation, enzyme activity assay and Western blot analysis, DNA Repair Assay, Sequencing PAGE Gels, miRNA HTS screen, RNAi HTS screen, miRNA, RNA, Protein and DNA isolation and analysis, QPCR, QRT PCR, MS PCR, Taqman PCR, ex vivo(Human and mouse tumor xenograft isolation and analysis), invivo study., expression constructs for mammalian, baculo-virus expression system, transfection and transformation to overexpress recombinant proteins, in vitro cell based assays, immunoassays, Small Molecule inhibitors IND experiments (Pharmaco Kinetics Study), Cell S, Experience in scientific writings (including grants, animal protocols) and maintaining good laboratory practices (GLPs), research collaboration and enthusiastic team player

These are some of the questions we asked our climbers about their experiences with Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Harvard Medical School):