Laboratory Technician

Harvard University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University in Boston invites applications for a part-time position in the Ubellacker Lab within the Department of Molecular Metabolism. The role offers hands-on exposure to cancer biology, metabolism, and translational research, coordinating samples and supporting both lab and clinical research activities.

The position emphasizes adherence to biosafety, meticulous record-keeping, and collaboration with clinicians and researchers.

Qualifications

• Related college coursework
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques
• Willingness to complete CITI training
• Interest in cancer research/metabolism/lipid biology

Responsibilities

• Coordinate clinical samples between clinical teams and the laboratory
• Follow biosafety and sample-handling protocols
• Maintain accurate sample and experimental records
• Prepare samples for immunofluorescence staining and microscopy
• Assist with imaging and analysis of experimental samples
• Support Western blotting, mammalian cell culture, and other molecular biology techniques
• Help with general laboratory organization and day-to-day research activities
• Collaborate with researchers, clinicians, and other members of the laboratory team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

CITI training

Biology/biochemistry program

Cancer research interest

Immunofluorescence & Western blot

Attention to detail & protocols

Organizational & teamwork skills

Healthcare/clinical/lab experience (ok

Education

Enrollment in undergrad/grad biology/biochemistry/biomedical science

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Department of Molecular Metabolism at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is seeking a motivated individual to join the Ubellacker Lab. This position offers an opportunity to gain hands‑on research experience studying how cancer cells use lipids and other metabolic resources to spread throughout the body.

The Ubellacker Lab investigates the metabolic changes that enable cancer metastasis, with a particular focus on how lipid availability in the lymphatic tumor microenvironment influences cancer cell dissemination, colonization of distant organs, and the reawakening of dormant cancer cells. The lab uses human and animal models of melanoma, breast, and prostate cancers, along with genomics, metabolomics, and lipidomics approaches, to identify potential therapeutic targets.

This position is designed to provide meaningful exposure to biomedical research and the opportunity to contribute to studies addressing the prevention and treatment of metastatic cancer. This position offers the potential for professional growth and increase in hours depending on labs needs.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities:

This role is particularly well suited for someone interested in gaining laboratory experience in the area of cancer biology, molecular biology, metabolism, translational research, or laboratory medicine. Students with experience in a healthcare or clinical setting are encouraged to apply, especially those who have worked with patients, coordinated with clinical teams, maintained detailed documentation, or followed established clinical workflows.

As a member of the Ubellacker Lab the position will support both laboratory and clinical research activities while developing practical skills in cancer biology, metabolism, and translational research. Responsibilities may include:

• Coordinating clinical samples between clinical teams and the laboratory
• Following research, biosafety, and sample‑handling protocols
• Maintaining accurate sample and experimental records
• Preparing samples for immunofluorescence staining and microscopy
• Assisting with imaging and analysis of experimental samples
• Supporting Western blotting, mammalian cell culture, and other molecular biology techniques
• Helping with general laboratory organization and day‑to‑day research activities
• Collaborating with researchers, clinicians, and other members of the laboratory team
• Performing other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of June 30, 2027. This is a part time benefits eligible role with a 17.5 hour work week. Finalist will be required to pass an occupational health screening.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Related college coursework
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Current CITI training certification, or willingness to complete the training
• Enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, biomedical science, or a related field
• Interest in cancer research, metabolism, lipid biology, or laboratory medicine
• Experience with or coursework in immunofluorescence staining, microscopy, Western blotting, or mammalian cell culture
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to following research protocols
• Effective organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
• Prior healthcare, clinical, or laboratory experience is helpful but not required

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 17.5 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre‑employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC‑recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non‑Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 047. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work‑life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non‑Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy.

Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.