Research Assistant III

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off including parental leave

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage

Retirement plans with university contributions

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Harvard University is seeking a Research Assistant to work in the Ramanathan lab focusing on stem cell biology and human development. The role involves coordinating research projects and conducting experiments, including manufacturing cortical tissue and making genetic modifications.

Ideal candidates will have a college or advanced degree and 5+ years of experience in a biological research setting. Benefits include generous paid time off, comprehensive health coverage, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years working in a biological research setting.
• Experience with human stem cell work preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research projects and carries out laboratory experiments.
• Manufactures cortical tissue from multiple cell lines.
• Makes genetic modifications and maintains cell lines.
• Collaborates on experimental design and develops new techniques.

Skills

5+ years in biological research

Experience with human stem cell work

Education

College or advanced degree in related discipline

Tools

Statistical software applications

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Job description

Job Summary

This Research Assistant works within the Ramanathan lab, alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and performs scientific experiments under minimal direction in the area of Stem Cell biology and human development. The majority of their time is spent coordinating multiple aspects of the lab's research projects and carrying out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment while under minimal direction. There may be some coordination with labs external to Harvard to arrange transfer of lab samples as needed but travel is not required for this position. This employee may conduct some training of new lab members in scientific techniques standardized in the lab but does not directly oversee them or approve time.

Core Responsibilities

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research project and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment
• Manufactures cortical tissue from multiple cell lines, specifically IPS line, embryonic stem cell line, and a GMP line
• Makes genetic modifications, passaging and maintaining each of the lines (both the parental and the modified fluorescent reporter lines in each of the background)
• Cell printing, optimizing differentiation protocols optimized for each line, performing and generating tissue in each case, preparing for shipment to team members working on monkeys
• Prepares samples for single cell transcriptomics, validating using antibody staining
• Sets up shakers in incubators, monitor differentiation, and set up a pipeline
• Collaborates with other lab members on experimental design, setting up protocols and developing new laboratory techniques
• Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms
• May train and oversee the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures
• Assists with laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and/or purchasing equipment and supplies, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required

Working Conditions

• Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting on campus in Cambridge, MA.
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials, human cell culture work.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to lift, move and transport related research equipment.

Basic Qualifications

• College or advanced degree preferably in a related discipline; directly related work experience may substitute.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• 5+ years working in a biological research setting, with experience with human stem cell work is preferred.

Additional Information

• This position is a 1 year term appointment from the date of hire.
• 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, Education.

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

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. 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.