Research Assistant II

Harvard University • Boston, MA

4h • Onsite

About The Position

The successful candidate for this position will contribute to an interdisciplinary research team that is working to understand the genetic and cellular basis of normal human brain function and of brain disorders including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Huntington’s disease. Coordination and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams – teams that combine experimental biology, statistics and data science – is a key aspect of this research. Works under general supervision, exercising independent judgment within established protocols and guidelines. The incumbent is expected to prioritize daily activities, organize and execute experimental work independently, analyze experimental outcomes, and troubleshoot routine issues, while consulting the manager for guidance on complex or novel problems.

Requirements

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• One to two+ years related work experience especially in laboratory context (relevant course work may count towards experience).
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or other quantitative area of science or engineering.
• Extensive course work could in some cases be equivalent to a major.
• At least one year of laboratory experience.
• Clear and effective in verbal and written communication.
• Able to critically read and discuss scientific research publications.
• Collaborate with a diverse group including laboratory scientists, project managers, professional staff, and academic trainees.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to experimental workflows for profiling the molecular contents and biological states of thousands of individual cells in human brain tissue, contributing to all aspects including planning experiments; creating DNA-barcoding reagents; extracting nuclei from human brain tissue; preparing molecular libraries; and high-throughput sequencing.
• Optimize and execute molecular-biological reactions such as PCR and DNA extraction.
• Independently troubleshoot and optimize techniques and technologies.
• Maintain detailed experimental notes in the lab’s electronic lab notebook.
• Report experimental results in weekly lab meetings.
• Contribute to other projects as needed.

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