Research Assistant II

Harvard University • Boston, MA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory of Systems Pharmacology Tissue Profiling Service (LSP-TPS) Core Facility within the Harvard Program in Therapeutic Science at Harvard Medical School seeks a Research Assistant II to join an interdisciplinary team of biomedical scientists and software engineers. The team advances precision-medicine approaches to drug discovery and patient care and provides spatial biology services to scientists and clinicians using human tissues, biopsies, and model-organism samples.

Under the supervision of the LSP-TPS core director, the Research Assistant II will learn and perform spatial profiling assays, including CycIF, ORION, and GeoMX. The position also offers the opportunity to learn to process resulting data using AI tools. The successful candidate will be organized and detail-oriented, have strong reasoning and communication skills, and work effectively in a collaborative environment handling precious clinical samples.

This is a term position ending October 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension subject to performance and continued funding. The schedule is 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Weekend and holiday work, and attendance during school closures due to inclement weather or emergencies, may be required. All duties must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location.

Requirements

• College background or equivalent work experience in Biological Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least one year of related laboratory work experience; relevant laboratory coursework may count toward this experience.
• Demonstrated ability in molecular biology techniques.
• Keen attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
• Motivation, initiative, ability to learn quickly, and strong problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with drafting protocols and presenting scientific results using common computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and spoken English skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Comfort working in a laboratory environment with sensitive laboratory equipment and samples.
• May be required to work with hazardous materials and enclosed Class 3B lasers.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy, image analysis, and antibody-based detection.
• Programming knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Perform CycIF, ORION, and GeoMX profiling assays according to established protocols.
• Stain samples on slides using immunofluorescence methods.
• Image slides with fluorescence- and brightfield-based microscopes and scanners.
• Prepare and submit libraries for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Conduct quality-control testing of antibodies and other reagents.
• Once trained, instruct core users in routine spatial profiling workflows.
• Collect, process, and summarize experimental data for core users.
• Maintain an electronic lab notebook and detailed, accurate, up-to-date experiment records.
• Create and update written protocols, collaborate on optimizing experimental designs and protocols, and help draft scientific reports.
• Maintain common laboratory supplies, equipment, and glass-slide inventories; communicate with vendors and service representatives.
• Help process core invoices and perform other simple clerical duties under senior core personnel's direction.

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