Research Assistant I

Harvard University • Boston, MA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nyerges Lab at Harvard Medical School, Department of Genetics, is seeking a Research Assistant to join a newly established, independent research group working at the interface of bacterial genome engineering, directed evolution, and biomedical applications. Building on our published work in genome and genetic code engineering, directed evolution and preclinical drug development, current projects combine molecular microbiology, directed evolution, and computational chemistry to create engineered bacterial strains and new-to-nature proteins for biomedical applications. The position is well suited for a motivated post-baccalaureate candidate with an interest in molecular biology, microbiology, or related biomedical disciplines who is preparing to apply to a PhD program and seeks to strengthen their publication track record and research skillset. The successful candidate will participate in group meetings, contribute to manuscript and experimental protocol preparation, attend seminar series within Harvard Medical School, and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the lab and the Department of Genetics. Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will execute experiments in bacterial genetics and directed evolution; perform molecular cloning, PCR, plasmid and reagent preparation, and standard E. coli genetic manipulations; carry out DNA and RNA extraction, quality assessment, and handling under RNase-free conditions; prepare RNA-seq and DNA sequencing libraries for both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms; prepare purified protein samples for LC-MS/MS analysis, and analyze the resulting transcriptomic and genomic datasets using standard bioinformatics tools. The candidate will also contribute to downstream characterization of engineered strains in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including sample collection and processing for molecular analyses. The Research Assistant will maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records, contribute to the development of new experimental methods, present results at internal group meetings, and have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications reporting the resulting work. The Research Assistant will also assist other lab members in daily duties, including reagent preparation, general lab maintenance, and inventory documentation. The position requires careful experimental execution, attention to detail, a dynamic and dedicated work ethic, and the ability to critically evaluate experimental results.

Requirements

• At least one year of related work experience in a molecular biology laboratory (relevant coursework may count toward experience)
• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline
• Prior hands-on experience with RNA work (including RNA extraction, quality control, and handling under RNase-free conditions)
• Demonstrated experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation (RNA-seq strongly preferred; DNA/amplicon library preparation for Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing is also expected)
• Genetic manipulation of E. coli or related bacterial species (DNA transformation, plasmid extraction, PCR, molecular cloning) and standard microbiological techniques are required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative work style
• Ability to work carefully and reliably within established laboratory protocols

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline
• Two or more years of hands-on wet-lab experience in molecular biology and microbiology
• Demonstrated record of careful, reproducible experimental work
• Prior experience with in vivo rodent studies and associated sample processing
• Bacteriophage biology
• LC-MS/MS sample preparation
• Directed evolution
• DNA sequence analysis and design (Geneious, Breseq)
• Programming skills (R, Python)
• Commitment to approximately two years in the position

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments in bacterial genetics and directed evolution
• Perform molecular cloning, PCR, plasmid and reagent preparation, and standard E. coli genetic manipulations
• Carry out DNA and RNA extraction, quality assessment, and handling under RNase-free conditions
• Prepare RNA-seq and DNA sequencing libraries for both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms
• Prepare purified protein samples for LC-MS/MS analysis
• Analyze transcriptomic and genomic datasets using standard bioinformatics tools
• Contribute to downstream characterization of engineered strains in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including sample collection and processing for molecular analyses
• Maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records
• Contribute to the development of new experimental methods
• Present results at internal group meetings
• Co-author peer-reviewed publications
• Assist other lab members in daily duties, including reagent preparation, general lab maintenance, and inventory documentation

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