Research Assistant II - Lab

HUCTW Anti-Racism Group; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Campus perks

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Paulsson lab at Harvard Medical School is seeking a dedicated Research Assistant to contribute to the DARPA AMPHORA program. You will learn state‑of‑the‑art lithography, microfabrication, and microfluidic device fabrication while working on cutting‑edge microscopy techniques.

You will help run microfluidic experiments, contribute to a challenging scientific objective, and collaborate with mentorship and a multidisciplinary team at HMS.

Qualifications

• Experience with quantitative microscopy, image analysis, and coding preferred.
• Previous research experience and computational experience is appreciated, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct microfluidic experiments using custom‑designed devices and cutting‑edge microscopy techniques.
• Contribute to DARPA AMPHORA program goals in preserving microbial viability under diverse conditions.
• Participate in group meetings and assist in writing papers and reports to funding agencies.
• Attend HMS seminars and engage with the AMPHORA team.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and develop independent scientific interests.

Skills

Quantitative microscopy

Image analysis

Coding

Education

College background or related degree

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 Paulsson lab at Harvard Medical School is looking to hire a multi‑talented Research Assistant (RA) to contribute to their DARPA AMPHORA program. The AMPHORA program seeks to develop a portable, cold chain free system that can preserve any microbe (bacteria, fungus, virus) from any sample, environment, or clinical setting.

The Research Assistant will be trained in state‑of‑the‑art lithography and microfabrication, using advanced tools and techniques capable of producing submicron‑scale structures. Lithography, a cornerstone of semiconductor manufacturing, will be applied here to fabricate sophisticated microfluidic devices. This highly specialized training provides valuable skills sought after in academia, engineering, and high‑tech industries.

The Research Assistant will also conduct microfluidic experiments using custom‑designed devices and cutting‑edge microscopy techniques, contributing to an ambitious scientific challenge: Can we keep bacteria alive and stable for extended periods without relying on the tightly controlled conditions of a laboratory?

• The project aims to develop innovative technologies that maintain bacterial viability and stability under diverse and potentially unpredictable environmental conditions.
• 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 AMPHORA 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.

Qualifications

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:

• Expierencewith quantitative microscopy, image analysis, and coding preferred.
• Previous research experience and computational experience is appreciated, but not required.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a 9‑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.

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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

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.

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.