Research Assistant I Lab

Harvard University • Boston, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Brown lab in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School seeks a highly motivated research technician to support an industry-funded project investigating how primary cilia regulate hypothalamic control of energy balance and obesity. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting edge basic research in cilia biology. The successful candidate will perform routine and semi-independent experiments in mammalian cell culture and assist with downstream in vivo and -omics studies. Core responsibilities include maintaining cell lines, performing immunofluorescence microscopy, assisting with advanced imaging and proteomic workflows, meticulous record keeping, and contributing to overall lab organization and operations (including inventory and ordering). The position provides excellent training in cell biology, imaging, and genomics approaches and is ideal for individuals considering graduate or medical school. Research in the Brown Lab centers on understanding how cilia function. This position will primarily focus on trafficking of ciliary signaling receptors implicated in obesity. Experimental approaches may include: mammalian cell culture; CRISPR based genetic manipulation; immunofluorescence microscopy; proximity labeling proteomics, and bulk and single cell RNA seq.

Requirements

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in cell biology.
• At least one year of relevant work experience with mammalian cell culture (course-based research may count towards this experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline such as cell biology or biochemistry.
• Hands on experience with cell biology techniques such as mammalian cell culture, buffer and reagent preparation, immunostaining, microscopy, or molecular cloning.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine mammalian cell culture.
• Perform routine immunofluorescence microscopy, including sample preparation, imaging, and basic quantitative analysis.
• Assist postdoctoral fellows and other lab members with more complex experiments (e.g., CRISPR editing and proteomics).
• Maintain accurate, well organized experimental records.
• Contribute to reports and publications.
• Support daily lab operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, ordering, and general lab upkeep.

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level