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Clinical Lab Assistant - Pasquarello Tissue Laboratory (PTL)

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

BOSTON, MAJob$43–48K/yrSeen todaySeen in employer's feed today

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At a glance

Compensation
$43–48K/yr
Location
BOSTON, MA
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive lists jobs from US employers, including remote roles you can work from the United States.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Associate's degree

Job overview

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant I supports the Pasquarello Tissue Laboratory by coordinating research-sample banking and transactions with clinical staff and researchers. The role processes, stores, tracks, and distributes samples; maintains databases and equipment; and performs cell counts and other laboratory procedures. Previous laboratory experience is preferred, and an associate degree in a related science is required.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Oral CommunicationWritten CommunicationProblem SolvingCustomer ServiceAttention to DetailMathematicsLab SafetyInfection ControlManual Cell CountingHemocytometerMicroscopyIndependent WorkTeamworkSchedule Flexibility

Qualifications

Associate Degree in Related SciencePrevious Laboratory ExperienceComputer Systems Knowledge

Full job description

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant I PTL is the frontline staff assistant responsible for the communication with clinical staff and researchers concerning the banking and transactions of research samples for the Pasquarello Tissue Laboratory (PTL) within the Cell Manufacturing Core Facility.

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, HIV/AIDS, 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.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Perform cell separation techniques and prepare cells, plasma and other sample types for banking of research samples.

  • Retrieves data from other systems/departments to ensure that patients are registered to the banking protocols and samples are obtained and logged according to timeframes stated in the study.

  • Maintains two separate databases/logs to ensure COI and COC for the receipt, storage and distribution of samples according to protocol.

  • Assists with pulling samples and the distribution and shipments of samples to investigators.

  • Transports samples between Brigham and Women’s Hospital, DFCI Lab control and Pasquarello Tissue Bank.

  • Trains to perform high-complexity lab procedures such as manual cell counts.

  • Processes all samples following aseptic technique and in clear separation from other patient samples to avoid cross-contamination.

  • Assists other lab staff as needed.

  • Reports unexpected finding to the appropriate supervisor.

  • Performs cleaning and quality checks on biological safety cabinets, CO2 incubators, Allegra 6R centrifuges, J6-MI centrifuges and other instruments as needed.

  • Notifies Supervisor when equipment needs repair or is reaching calibration expiration date.

  • Creates shipping files in FreezerWorks and the caTissue databases for the retrieval and distribution of banked samples for researchers.

  • Monitors and changes the LN2 dewars to maintain the LN2 levels in the LN2 tanks.

  • Prepares blood bag apparatus’ and fills with Ficoll-Paque, heats inactive Fetal Bovine Serum and filter and prepare other reagents as needed.

  • Performs manual cell counts on a variety of cell types using hemocytometer and microscope.

  • Creates daily sample expected lists using data from caTissue, EPIC and information from Clinical Research Coordinators.

  • Monitors and takes REES call for equipment alarms for LN2 tanks, mechanical freezers, room temperature and CO2 incubators.

MINIMUM JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education: Associates degree in a related science required.

Minimum Experience: Previous laboratory experience preferred. Working knowledge of computer systems desired.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

  • Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

  • Customer service skills.

  • Detail oriented.

  • Good math skills needed to calculate reagent preparation and sample dilutions.

  • Knowledge of lab safety and infection control.

  • Ability to accurately perform manual cell counts on a variety of cell types using a hemocytometer and microscope.

  • Adheres to all applicable DFCI policies including safety, HPAA and Code of Conduct.

  • Ability to work effectively independently as well as a member of a team.

  • Ability to seeks advice as needed.

  • Ability to accommodate schedule adjustments, as well as off-shift and weekend assignments as workload dictates.

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 committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate 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.

EEO Poster

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Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$42,500.00 - $47,800.00

How this job compares

Set against the 729 open Laboratory Assistant jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 29, 2026.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 22 open Laboratory Assistant jobs in Massachusetts and 729 across the US. None of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Massachusetts
Experience
Laboratory Assistant postings that state a minimum ask for 1 year of experience at the median; the middle half ask for 1 to 2 years (228 postings).
Education
This posting asks for an associate degree; 18 of the 729 open Laboratory Assistant jobs (2%) ask for an associate degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 29, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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