Research Technician - Sabatini Lab
About The Position
The Sabatini Lab at Harvard Medical School seeks to uncover the mechanisms of synapse and circuit plasticity that permit new behaviors to be learned and refined. We are interested in both the developmental changes that occur after birth that make learning possible as well as in the circuit changes that are triggered by the process of learning. We examine how perturbations of these processes contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders with disordered learning or action selection. A current promising project investigates how neuronal integration occurs at the interface of forebrain and hindbrain structures. We believe that elucidating the integration rules will reveal how the brain orchestrates goal-directed, skilled motor actions. For this aim we are utilizing a variety of techniques spanning molecular biology, in-vitro electrophysiology, behavioral testing, optogenetics, and in vivo recordings. Several experiments generate big and high dimensional dataset, handling them with computation methods allow to move forward with discoveries. We are deeply committed to using—and developing—techniques necessary to address the fundamental biological questions at the core of project. We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Research Technician I to join our in-person, cross-disciplinary team. This full-time role will be embedded in the laboratory of Dr. Bernardo Sabatini and will work closely with Dr. Paolo Capelli, a postdoctoral researcher. The technician will gain exposure to a broad range of methods, from coding and data analysis to wet-lab experiments in mice, and will play a hands-on role in advancing cutting-edge neuroscience research. Daily responsibilities will include coding to analyze data or control devices, conducting experiments with mice, and performing wet lab bench work. In addition, regular support to general lab operations is required. The balance of these tasks will shift with project needs, providing opportunities to learn diverse techniques and explore new challenges. The position emphasizes mentorship and growth, beginning with day-to-day guidance and gradually transitioning toward independent project contributions.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong coding skills in MATLAB and/or Python (required).
- Excellent organizational skills, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.
- Independence, motivation, and the ability to quickly absorb and apply new information.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with openness to constructive feedback and collaboration.
Nice To Haves
- Prior laboratory experience (strongly suggested but not strictly required).
Responsibilities
- Conduct experimental work with mice, including behavioral testing, optogenetic manipulations and in-vivo recordings.
- Perform coding-based data analysis (Python and/or MATLAB); working with and organizing big datasets (e.g. chronic in-vivo recording, videos and tracking).
- Optimize and troubleshoot pipelines to run and analyze experiments wet-lab experiments including histology, microscopy and mouse colony maintenance
- Assist with general laboratory tasks and help maintain an efficient and organized research environment.
- Participate in weekly discussions to share progress and integrate feedback.
- Contribute to publications and other scientific outputs.
Benefits
- A structured path toward independence in research, with opportunities to present at lab meetings and participate in publication preparation.
- Mentorship and a strong skillset foundation that prepare candidates for graduate or medical school.
- Professional development opportunities including access to weekly Harvard seminars, virtual HHMI talks, scientific discussion at journal clubs, a Research Assistant affinity group, and the potential to attend domestic conferences.
- A collaborative and motivated team environment where curiosity and initiative are highly valued.
- A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
