Research Assistant I

Harvard University • Boston, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible full-time Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Bernardo Sabatini at Harvard Medical School. The Sabatini Lab seeks to understand the mechanisms of synaptic and circuit plasticity that govern learning and development. We employ a range of approaches including ex vivo and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, imaging and behavior to delineate how changes in neural circuits evolve over the course learning and/or lifespan. In this role, you will work under the supervision of a postdoctoral fellow investigating the neural mechanisms for reward-driven behavior over aging with a particular focus on the period of development known as adolescence. Furthermore, we will employ reinforcement learning models and machine learning algorithms to uncover how changes in neural activity drive changes in decision-making. Under direction and supervision of the PI, the candidate will assist with stereotaxic surgeries, awake-behavior in head-restrained and freely moving mice, large-scale electrophysiological experiments, and histology. The best candidates will be comfortable working both in a team setting and independently and have an organized, methodical approach to their work.

Requirements

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related field.
• At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in any STEM-related fields (Ex. Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry).
• Experience with animal husbandry and knowledge of basic genetics.
• Proficiency with database software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, etc).
• Excellent communication, organization, and record keeping skills.
• Must be a team player able to interact effectively with a large group and work independently.
• Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed.
• Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with data analysis and programming in MATLAB and/or Python is greatly preferred.
• Previous experience with animal behavior will be helpful but is not required.

Responsibilities

• Handle and train mice on decision making tasks
• stereotaxic surgeries for precise delivery of viral vectors
• histology and imaging
• assist with in vivo imaging of neuronal activity
• dissection of neural tissue
• immunohistochemistry, histology, and microscopy on fixed brain tissue
• mouse colony maintenance and husbandry
• general lab support, to include maintenance of general supplies for the laboratory
• data curation and analysis
• helping to build analysis pipelines for physiology and behavioral data

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