Harvard Catalyst Profiles

We are seeking Research Interns to join our group at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The lab, which is part of the Neurology Department, is in Charlestown, MA (149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129). Our primary disease focus is brain cancer and particularly Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive and incurable tumor. Our research is centered on studying molecular and metabolic aspects governing self-renewal and tumor initiation in brain tumor initiating cells (glioma stem cells). We are also studying tumor plasticity, particularly the genetic and metabolic switches allowing glioma stem cells to adapt to environmental stress and therapeutic insults. Our long-term goal is to develop effective, targeted therapeutics for brain tumors. The incumbent of this position will work on a project involving the role of fatty acid (lipid) metabolism in brain tumors. The student researcher will study gene regulation and the molecular biology of brain tumors, particularly in the context of lipid and fatty acid metabolism. He/She will receive daily mentorship, will be encouraged to attend local conferences, and participate in lab meetings, journal clubs etc. Previous experience in molecular biology techniques is desired but not required. Some of the key techniques involved in this research include: 1. Mammalian tissue culture, including maintenance and propagation of primary patient-derived cancer (stem) cells as well as common laboratory cell lines 2. RNA or protein isolation from cells. Quantitative RT-PCR on RNA or western blots on proteins. 3. Cell based assays such as cell viability, flow cytometry and measurement of bioluminescence or fluorescence 4. Implantation of tumor cells in mice, optical imaging of tumors and testing of new therapeutics in these mouse models. For more information about the lab, please check our Twitter account or visit our webpage. Interested individuals should email a Resume and a brief description of research interest to Dr. Christian E. Badr (badr.christian@mgh.harvard.edu).

We are seeking Research Interns to join our group at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The lab, which is part of the Neurology Department, is in Charlestown, MA (149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129). Our primary disease focus is brain cancer and particularly Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive and incurable tumor. Our research is centered on studying molecular and metabolic aspects governing self-renewal and tumor initiation in brain tumor initiating cells (glioma stem cells). We are also studying tumor plasticity, particularly the genetic and metabolic switches allowing glioma stem cells to adapt to environmental stress and therapeutic insults. Our long-term goal is to develop effective, targeted therapeutics for brain tumors. The incumbent of this position will work on a project involving the role of fatty acid (lipid) metabolism in brain tumors. The student researcher will study gene regulation and the molecular biology of brain tumors, particularly in the context of lipid and fatty acid metabolism. He/She will receive daily mentorship, will be encouraged to attend local conferences, and participate in lab meetings, journal clubs etc. Previous experience in molecular biology techniques is desired but not required. Some of the key techniques involved in this research include: 1. Mammalian tissue culture, including maintenance and propagation of primary patient-derived cancer (stem) cells as well as common laboratory cell lines 2. RNA or protein isolation from cells. Quantitative RT-PCR on RNA or western blots on proteins. 3. Cell based assays such as cell viability, flow cytometry and measurement of bioluminescence or fluorescence 4. Implantation of tumor cells in mice, optical imaging of tumors and testing of new therapeutics in these mouse models. For more information about the lab, please check our Twitter account (@BADRlab) or visit our webpage: http://massgeneral.link/BadrLab Interested individuals should email a Resume and a brief description of research interest to Dr. Christian E. Badr (badr.christian@mgh.harvard.edu).