Research Assistant II

Harvard University • Boston, MA

16h • Onsite

About The Position

The Paulsson lab at Harvard Medical School seeks a multi-talented Research Assistant to support the ARPA-H DARTS program, a nationwide initiative developing precision technologies to combat antimicrobial resistance. The role supports experiments spanning high-throughput microscopy, antibiotic discovery, bacterial physiology, and synthetic biology. Research techniques include observing native and engineered bacteria in microfluidic devices using advanced microscopy, designing genetic circuits to control and visualize individual bacteria, and conducting omics-based measurements.

The Research Assistant will receive close scientific mentorship and be encouraged to develop individual scientific interests. The position includes participation in group meetings, collaboration on papers and reports to funding agencies, attendance at HMS seminar series, and involvement in the scientific life of the lab, Harvard Medical School, and the broader DARTS team. Some designated projects involve human clinical samples containing BSL-2 pathogens; participation in these projects is elective.

Requirements

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in the biological sciences or a related quantitative field.
• At least 1–2 years of related work experience; relevant coursework may count toward experience.
• Exceptional quantitative reasoning skills.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to a collaborative, conscientious multidisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with quantitative microscopy, image analysis, and coding.
• Previous research experience.
• Computational experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist with experiments related to high-throughput microscopy, antibiotic discovery, bacterial physiology, and synthetic biology.
• Observe native and engineered bacteria in microfluidic devices using microscopy techniques.
• Design genetic circuits for controlling and visualizing the behavior of individual bacteria.
• Conduct omics-based measurements.
• Participate in group meetings and collaborate on papers and reports to funding agencies.
• Attend seminar series and participate in the scientific and intellectual life of the lab, Harvard Medical School, and the broader DARTS team.

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