Research Assistant I

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement plans

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard University’s Balskus lab is seeking a research technician to provide experimental support for a project on bacterial metabolism in the vaginal microbiome. You will assist in designing and executing assays, handling anaerobic cultures, and preparing enzymes for testing.

The role emphasizes meticulous data documentation, collaboration with senior scientists, and opportunities to contribute to publications, consortium meetings, and grant reporting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of full-time biological/chemistry lab experience.
• Experience with biochemical assays and evaluating bacterial growth.
• Degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field preferred; glycobiology desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and executing assays to assess anaerobic bacterial growth or enzymatic activity.
• Inoculate and maintain anaerobic cultures from freezer stocks for assays.
• Prepare and sterilize growth media and assist with enzyme expression/purification.
• Analyze samples using LC-MS/MS, qPCR, RNA-Seq and biochemical assays; report results.
• Document research activities and manage data; help train other lab members.
• Order lab supplies, process invoices, and assist with sample shipping/transfer.

Skills

Biochemical assays

Laboratory teamwork

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in microbiology/biochemistry or related field

Tools

LC-MS/MS

qPCR

RNA-Seq

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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Balskus lab is searching for a technician to provide experimental support for an on-going project aimed at understanding bacterial metabolism in the vaginal microbiome. Working closely with senior lab members, the technician will primarily be responsible for assisting in the design, execution and analysis of assays that assess microbial growth, metabolism, and enzymatic activity. Additionally, the employee will assist with other tasks that support the operation of the overall lab, as described in more detail below. The research assistant may work on an independent project, but within specific guidelines. Strong organizational and communication skills are critical.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Under supervision of a senior lab member, assist in the design and execution of assays to assess anaerobic bacterial growth or enzymatic activity. This includes aliquoting clinical samples and testing these samples for enzymatic activity. This will also include the preparation of bacterial cultures for testing in various enzymatic assays.
• Inoculation and maintenance of anaerobic microbial cultures from freezer stocks in preparation for assays.
• Preparation and sterilization of growth media.
• Expression and purification of enzymes.
• Preparation and analysis of samples using various analytical methods, in particular small molecule liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), RNA-Seq, and biochemical assays on clinical samples and cultures.
• Report assay results using a variety of scientific, word processing, and presentation platforms.
• Maintenance and cleaning of additional laboratory equipment and glassware.
• May instruct other lab members in certain techniques or procedures.
• Ordering lab supplies and processing invoices, and other administrative duties as needed.
• Assist with the preparation and coordination of shipping or transfer of samples between collaborators’ labs.
• Thorough documentation of all research activities in electronic lab notebook and management of research data.
• The successful candidate may be invited to attend lab group meetings as appropriate.
• The candidate will also have the opportunity to attend external research consortium meetings, assist with writing of progress reports, other administrative tasks, and interacting with the funders of this project when necessary.

Working Conditions:

Monday-Friday on campus.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

A minimum 1-year of full time research experience working in a biological or chemistry laboratory setting. College level course work required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The successful candidate will have experience performing biochemical assays and evaluating bacterial growth. Degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, chemical biology or a related discipline strongly preferred. Experience in glycobiology is desirable but not required. Additionally, the successful candidate will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, a desire to learn new techniques and instruments, good organizational skills, and the ability to work with a diverse team of scientists. Applicants with prior experience in anaerobic microbial culture, enzyme assay, and assay development are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one year term position
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information: All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

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.