Research Assistant III

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This Research Assistant works within the Ramanathan lab, alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and performs scientific experiments under minimal direction in the area of Stem Cell biology and human development. The majority of their time is spent coordinating multiple aspects of the labs research projects and carrying out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment while under minimal direction. There may be some coordination with labs external to Harvard to arrange transfer of lab samples as needed but travel is not required for this position. This employee may conduct some training of new lab members in scientific techniques standardized in the lab but does not directly oversee them or approve time.

Requirements

• College or advanced degree preferably in a related discipline; directly related work experience may substitute.

Nice To Haves

• 3+ years of experience in a biological research setting, including human stem cell work including extensive undergraduate lab research experience.
• Either experience maintaining, passaging, expanding, or differentiating stem cell lines, or experience with mouse work (maintenance, breeding, surgeries)
• Basic molecular biology experience, including PCR/qPCR, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, CRISPR, transfection, or viral transduction.
• Experience with immunostaining, flow cytometry, and related molecular assays.
• Experience optimizing protocols and troubleshooting cell-based experiments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research project and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment
• Manufactures cortical tissue from multiple cell lines, specifically IPS line, embryonic stem cell line, and a GMP line
• Makes genetic modifications, passaging and maintaining each of the lines (both the parental and the modified fluorescent reporter lines in each of the background)
• Assisting lab members in mouse work, breeding, and surgeries
• Collaborates with other lab members on experimental design, setting up protocols and developing new laboratory techniques
• Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms
• May train and oversee the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures
• Assists with laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and/or purchasing equipment and supplies, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required

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: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree