Research Assistant

Harvard Medical School; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvard Medical School's Yellen lab in Neurobiology is seeking a research technician to study neuronal metabolism and its relation to activity. You will work under Dr. Yellen and contribute to developing fluorescent biosensors and imaging in mouse brain.

The role includes mouse colony management, molecular biology workflows, and basic tissue culture, with potential independent projects. A biology background and 1+ year of lab experience are preferred, with strong organizational and collaborative

Qualifications

• At least one year of related work experience.
• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• General education in molecular biology and familiarity with plasmids, expression vectors, and subcloning.
• Some experience with mice preferred.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving; good for a team.
• Good laboratory practices and sterile technique.

Responsibilities

• Manage a moderate size mouse colony, including genotyping and performing mouse surgery (stereotactic injections).
• Perform molecular biology procedures including plasmid DNA preparation, PCR, subcloning, biochemical assays, bacterial expression of fluorescent proteins, and fluorescence analysis.
• Perform a small amount of tissue culture (cell line maintenance and transfection).
• Opportunity to work on semi-independent projects in fluorescent biosensor development and imaging.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

Biology degree or related field

One year related work experience

Tools

Plasmid DNA prep

PCR

Subcloning

Fluorescence analysis

Bacterial expression

Tissue culture

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.

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 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.

Job Description

The Yellen lab at Harvard Medical School Neurobiology is looking for a research technician. Our research is focused on understanding neuronal metabolism and how it is influenced by – and influences – neuronal activity and excitability. The lab develops tools for studying neural metabolism, including engineered proteins that function as fluorescent biosensors of metabolism, and we study the dynamics of metabolism in mouse brain using both ex vivo and in vivo imaging methods. We also work to learn the role of altered metabolism in preventing epileptic seizures, inspired by the ability of ketogenic diets to treat human epilepsy.

The successful candidate will work under close supervision by Dr Yellen and others in the lab to:

• manage a moderate size mouse colony, including genotyping and performing mouse surgery (stereotactic injection of viral expression vectors);
• perform molecular biology procedures including plasmid DNA preparation, PCR, subcloning, biochemical assays, bacterial expression of fluorescent proteins, and fluorescence analysis; and
• perform a small amount of tissue culture (cell line maintenance and transfection).

There may also be the opportunity to do semi-independent projects on fluorescent biosensor development and/or biosensor imaging. The successful candidate should be well-organized, motivated, and a responsible team member.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).
• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• The candidate should have a general education in molecular biology and should be familiar with the basic concepts of plasmids, expression vectors, and subcloning, as well as hands-on experience with good laboratory practices and sterile technique.
• Some experience with mice is preferred.
• Detailed guidance and training will be provided for each of the specific procedures used. All of the work requires attention to detail, and some of it requires creative problem solving.
• In general, the successful candidate is someone who always has their “head in the game.”

Additional Information

• 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, Criminal, Credit, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• 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.

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 Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. 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.