Research Assistant I

Harvard University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & parental leave

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

The Harvard University Greenberg Laboratory in Boston seeks a curious, motivated research assistant to learn mammalian cell culture, label neurons participating in memory ensembles, and analyze genomic and transcriptomic data, including next-generation sequencing. You will be supervised by postdoctoral researchers and gain hands-on experience in neuroscience research and data interpretation.

The role offers structured mentorship, opportunities for career development, and the chance to contribute

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Hands-on training in mammalian cell culture.
• Labeling and isolation of neurons that participate in memory ensembles.
• Characterization of their genomic and transcriptomic signatures, including next‑generation sequencing.
• Stereotaxic surgeries; and bioinformatic analysis of large-scale biological datasets.

Skills

Neuroscience background

Laboratory experience

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 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 Greenberg laboratory at Harvard Medical School focuses on identifying how neuronal activity shapes the maturation and plasticity of neuronal circuits required for learning and memory. Long-term memories are encoded by sparse neuronal ensembles whose coordinated activity during learning drives lasting circuit plasticity. While initial ensemble formation and molecular programs after recall have been more extensively studied, the gene-regulatory programs that support cell-class-specific plasticity over longer periods of memory consolidation remain poorly understood. To address these questions, we work at the interface of systems neuroscience and molecular and cellular biology. We are looking for a curious, motivated, and highly organized research assistant eager to make discoveries and gain experience in molecular neuroscience. In this role, you will receive hands‑on training in mammalian cell culture; labeling and isolation of neurons that participate in memory ensembles; characterization of their genomic and transcriptomic signatures, including next‑generation sequencing; stereotaxic surgeries; and bioinformatic analysis of large-scale biological datasets. You will be directly supervised and mentored by two postdoctoral fellows, Dr. Lisa Traunmüller and Dr. Natalie Guzikowski, who will provide guidance on experimental design, data interpretation, and research career development. You will also benefit from the rich intellectual environment of postdocs, graduate students, and other researchers in the Greenberg Lab. This position is ideally suited for individuals seeking to launch a career in scientific research, including those planning to pursue graduate or medical school.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Information

• Term: This is a one-yearterm 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, 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.