Research Assistant I

Harvard University • Boston, MA

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Greenberg lab at Harvard Medical School examines how neuronal activity shapes the maturation and plasticity of the nervous system. Sensory experience shapes the development of neural circuits during early-life windows of heightened plasticity, known as critical periods. While the key factors that drive critical period opening have been extensively characterized, the specific cues that restrain developmental plasticity as animals mature are less clear. For this project, we will characterize a new molecular pathway discovered in our laboratory by which circulating glucocorticoids act on glial cells in the brain to close critical periods of plasticity. We will further examine how early-life stress, which elevates glucocorticoid levels and increases susceptibility to many neuropsychiatric diseases, alters the timing of developmental plasticity to disrupt cognition, memory, and behavior. Collectively, this project will help us better understand the fundamental mechanisms gating neuronal plasticity, which may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for treating human disorders.
We are looking to hire a curious, motivated, highly organized research assistant seeking experience in cutting-edge neuroscience and genomics techniques and eager to discover how the endocrine system shapes brain development. During this project, you will gain experience in a wide range of fundamental neuroscience and molecular approaches, such as stereotactic surgery, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, behavior, cloning, qPCR, and Western blotting, as well as advanced genomics approaches, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, and single-nucleus RNA-seq. We will also use command-line tools and R to process and analyze large genomic datasets. You will be directly mentored by a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Bruno Gegenhuber, providing exposure and advice for the research career track. In addition to their mentor, the fellow will also meet regularly with Professor Michael Greenberg and benefit from the rich environment of postdocs, graduate students and other scientists in the Greenberg Lab. This position is ideally suited for individuals seeking to launch a career in scientific research.

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).
• Appropriate communications skills required.
• Clear organization and notetaking.
• Ability to learn new techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with mice or human cell culture models preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates that can commit for two years.
• Prior research experience is desirable.
• Demonstrated abilities in laboratory techniques helpful, especially cloning, PCR, library preparation, next generation sequencing, flow cytometry, imaging, tissue culture, and protein purification.
• Exposure to applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, may be required.
• Curiosity, work ethic, motivation to make discoveries.
• Excellent track record in college.

Responsibilities

• Characterize a new molecular pathway by which circulating glucocorticoids act on glial cells in the brain to close critical periods of plasticity.
• Examine how early-life stress alters the timing of developmental plasticity to disrupt cognition, memory, and behavior.
• Gain experience in fundamental neuroscience and molecular approaches, such as stereotactic surgery, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, behavior, cloning, qPCR, and Western blotting.
• Gain experience in advanced genomics approaches, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, and single-nucleus RNA-seq.
• Use command-line tools and R to process and analyze large genomic datasets.

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: No Education Listed