Research Assistant I

Harvard University • Boston, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This person will serve as a full-time research assistant in the Rajan Lab, working closely with postdoctoral researchers. Under specific direction, the individual will support ongoing computational neuroscience projects focused on neural population dynamics and learning in complex systems. Key responsibilities will include assisting with the development and analysis of computational models of neural circuits, implementing and testing learning rules in simulated neural populations, and contributing to the analysis of neural data. The individual will also support the lab’s research workflow by writing and maintaining analysis code, running simulations, organizing results, and preparing figures or summaries for internal discussions, manuscripts, and conference presentations. The individual will participate in regular lab meetings and project discussions, collaborate with other trainees and researchers in the lab, and assist with literature review and exploratory analyses to help advance ongoing research projects. The position is intended to provide structured research experience in computational neuroscience while contributing directly to the lab’s modeling and data analysis efforts.

Requirements

• College background or equivalent experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous research experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the development and analysis of computational models of neural circuits.
• Implement and test learning rules in simulated neural populations.
• Contribute to the analysis of neural data.
• Write and maintain analysis code.
• Run simulations.
• Organize results.
• Prepare figures or summaries for internal discussions, manuscripts, and conference presentations.
• Participate in regular lab meetings and project discussions.
• Collaborate with other trainees and researchers in the lab.
• Assist with literature review and exploratory analyses to help advance ongoing research projects.

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
• Education Level: Associate degree