Reseach Assistant II

Harvard University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plans with university match

Tuition assistance and reimbursement

Job summary

Harvard University’s Seidman Lab is seeking a Research Assistant II to support projects on the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease. You will perform standard laboratory experiments, help validate genetic variants, and handle data analyses in R and Python under supervision.

The role involves maintaining cell cultures, coordinating daily tasks, and presenting results at lab meetings. It is a one-year term position with standard hours and visa sponsorship limitations noted.

Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience in a related discipline.
• One to two+ years related work experience in a laboratory context.

Responsibilities

• Perform standard laboratory experiments and procedures to support research projects.
• Assist with functional validation studies of genetic variants using appropriate model systems.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and cell cultures (e.g., iPSCs, cell lines, or model organisms).
• Record, analyze, and organize experimental data using standard lab techniques.
• Present experimental results and progress updates at lab meetings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Communication skills

R and Python

Education

College background or equivalent work experience

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Overview

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 Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Seidman Lab is internationally recognized for its work on the genetic basis of cardiovascular disease, including congenital heart disease. As part of a multicenter consortium, the lab studies a large cohort of participants with congenital heart disease and integrates approaches across computational genomics, gene editing, and model systems such as animal models and human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant II will work under nominal supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior laboratory staff. The incumbent will exercise independent judgment within established laboratory protocols and procedures, organize daily work priorities, and seek guidance for complex or unusual situations. The Research Assistant I will support ongoing research efforts focused on the functional validation of potentially pathogenic genetic variants.

• Perform standard laboratory experiments and procedures in support of research projects.
• Assist with functional validation studies of genetic variants using appropriate model systems.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment; maintain cell cultures and other experimental materials (e.g., iPSCs, cell lines, or model organisms).
• Accurately record, analyze, and organize experimental data using standard laboratory techniques.
• Assist in troubleshooting experiments and optimizing protocols as needed.
• Present experimental results and progress updates at lab meetings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The individual will also perform bioinformatic analyses of large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets, including processing, cleaning, organizing, and managing biological data using R and Python; conducting quality control assessments and validating data integrity using established metrics and computational pipelines; performing statistical and computational analyses using multiple bioinformatics platforms and software tools; developing and optimizing scripts and computational workflows to ensure reproducibility and efficiency; and generating data visualizations, summaries, and reports to support interpretation of research findings and presentation of results.

Working Conditions

• May be required to lift, move and transport related laboratory equipment.
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.

Basic Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• One to two+ years related work experience especially in laboratory context (relevant coursework may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated abilities in basic laboratory techniques helpful, but not required.
• Exposure to applicable computer technologies, including R and Python, is required.
• Appropriate communications skills required.

• Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary

This position is salary grade level 053. Please review Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that supports a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. 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 the Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment

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. 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.