Research Assistant II

Harvard Medical School; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Retirement plans with university

Wellbeing resources

Family support

Tuition assistance

Campus perks

Job summary

Harvard Medical School’s Paulsson lab seeks a multi-talented Research Assistant to support DARTS, a national ARPA-H initiative advancing precision tech against antimicrobial resistance. The RA will work at the interface of high-throughput microscopy, antibiotic discovery, and bacterial physiology, under close mentorship.

Projects involve designing genetic circuits and conducting omics-based measurements, with opportunities to develop personal scientific interests within a collaborative

Qualifications

• College background or equivalent in biological sciences or related quantitative field.
• 1-2+ years related work experience (relevant coursework may count).
• Experience with quantitative microscopy, image analysis, and coding is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in experiments at the nexus of high-throughput microscopy and antibiotic discovery.
• Collaborate on bacterial physiology and synthetic biology projects.
• Participate in group meetings and assist in writing papers and reports.

Skills

Quantitative microscopy

Image analysis

Coding

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

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 Paulsson lab at Harvard Medical School has spearheaded the ARPA-H program DARTS, which is a nationwide initiative that develops new precision technology to combat antimicrobial resistance. To help DARTS achieve its promise, the Paulsson lab seeks a multi-talented Research Assistant (RA) who will be assisting in experiments at the nexus of high-throughput microscopy, antibiotic discovery, bacterial physiology, and synthetic biology.

Research techniques include: Observing native and engineered bacteria in novel microfluidic devices using cutting‑edge microscopy techniques, designing genetic circuits for controlling and visualizing the behavior of individual bacteria, and conducting omics‑based measurements.

• The RA will receive close scientific mentorship and also be encouraged to develop their unique scientific interests.


• They will participate in group meetings and collaborate in writing papers and reports to funding agencies.


• They will attend seminar series within HMS and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the lab, Harvard Medical School, and the broader DARTS team.


• Strong applicants will possess exceptional quantitative reasoning skills.


• They should be self‑motivated and equally adept working independently and bringing their skills to a collaborative and conscientious multidisciplinary team.


• Designated projects involve working with human clinical samples that contain BSL-2 pathogens, but participation in these projects is elective.

As part of your application, we recommend including letters of recommendation 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 the biological sciences or related quantitative field.


• 1-2+ years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience with quantitative microscopy, image analysis, and coding preferred.


• Previous research experience and computational experience is appreciated, but not required.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a 12-month 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: 40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.


• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.


• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity


• Interview Format: The interview process will include both virtual and in-person components (e.g., initial virtual screening followed by on-campus final interviews).


• 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 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.