Research Assistant II

Harvard Medical School; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision health ins

Commuter benefits

Job summary

Harvard Medical School seeks a motivated lab professional to join a genetics research team studying normal brain function and brain disorders. You will contribute to interdisciplinary work blending experimental biology, statistics, and data science, planning experiments, and reporting results in weekly meetings.

The role emphasizes collaboration with scientists and project staff, maintaining detailed records, and troubleshooting techniques to advance understanding of psychiatric and

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Contribute to experimental workflows for profiling the molecular contents and biological states of thousands of individual cells in human brain tissue, including planning experiments, creating DNA‑barcoding reagents, extracting nuclei, preparing molecular libraries, and high‑throughput sequencing.
• Optimize and execute molecular‑biological reactions such as PCR and DNA extraction.
• Independently troubleshoot and optimize techniques and technologies.
• Maintain detailed experimental notes in the lab’s electronic lab notebook.
• Report experimental results in weekly lab meetings.
• Contribute to other projects as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or other quantitative area of science or engineering

College background or equivalent work experience

At least one year of 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.

About the Department of Genetics

The McCarroll Lab analyzes the human brain at molecular and cellular levels, using a variety of approaches we invented in recent years and/or are further developing, many based on analyzing RNA and proteins in thousands of individual cells simultaneously. Our goal is to uncover and understand the molecular and cellular basis of normal brain function and of brain disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and DNA‑repeat disorders such as Huntington’s disease.

Job Description

The successful candidate for this position will contribute to an interdisciplinary research team that is working to understand the genetic and cellular basis of normal human brain function and of brain disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Huntington’s disease. Coordination and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams – combining experimental biology, statistics and data science – is a key aspect of this research. The incumbent works under general supervision, exercising independent judgment within established protocols and guidelines, prioritizing daily activities, organizing and executing experimental work independently, analyzing outcomes, troubleshooting routine issues and consulting the manager for complex or novel problems.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Contribute to experimental workflows for profiling the molecular contents and biological states of thousands of individual cells in human brain tissue, including planning experiments, creating DNA‑barcoding reagents, extracting nuclei, preparing molecular libraries, and high‑throughput sequencing.
• Optimize and execute molecular‑biological reactions such as PCR and DNA extraction.
• Independently troubleshoot and optimize techniques and technologies.
• Maintain detailed experimental notes in the lab’s electronic lab notebook.
• Report experimental results in weekly lab meetings.
• Contribute to other projects as needed.

Working Conditions

• Works in a molecular biology research laboratory.
• Regular use of standard laboratory equipment and reagents.
• Requires adherence to institutional safety procedures and use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Position involves both bench research and data analysis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods; perform manual tasks including pipetting and sample handling; use a computer for extended periods; occasionally lift and transport laboratory supplies weighing up to 25 pounds; and perform tasks requiring fine motor coordination and visual attention to detail.

Qualifications

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 toward experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or other quantitative area of science or engineering.
• Extensive coursework could, in some cases, be equivalent to a major.
• At least one year of laboratory experience.

Subjective Qualifications:

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to critically read and discuss scientific research publications.
• Collaboration with a diverse group including laboratory scientists, project managers, professional staff, and academic trainees.

Term and Work Details

• Term: One‑year term position from the date of hire, with possibility of extension contingent upon performance and continued funding.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week, Monday‑Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
• Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening: Identity, criminal, and pre‑placement medical evaluation.

Salary Grade and Ranges

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

Benefits

• 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.