Research Technician - Walter Lab

Howard Hughes Medical Institute • Boston, MA

1d • $18 - $36 • Onsite

About The Position

The Walter Laboratory (https://walter.hms.harvard.edu/) at Harvard Medical School and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Boston is seeking a highly motivated Research Technician to support our efforts to study genome maintenance and how defects in this process cause cancer and other human diseases. The laboratory uses a powerful biochemical system derived from frog eggs as a model to study mechanisms of DNA replication and DNA repair. We use molecular biology, biochemistry, single molecule imaging, and we have enhanced these efforts using large-scale structure prediction using AlphaFold (predictomes.org). The Walter lab is a welcoming community where all members actively work together to understand how cells maintain their genomes in health and disease.

About the Research Technician Role: Under supervision from a post-doctoral fellow or graduate student, the Research Technician will pursue a project involving a wide range of techniques including setting up in-vitro biochemical reactions using frog egg extracts, molecular biology, and structure prediction. In conducting their research, technicians will design, carry out, interpret, record, and present experiments. Our technicians are encouraged to take intellectual ownership of their projects. They present at lab meetings and journal clubs, contribute to manuscripts, and sometimes attend scientific conferences. ~50% of time will be dedicated to research, with the remaining time spent on activities that support the entire laboratory (see below). Working in the Walter laboratory is excellent preparation for graduate and medical school. Former technicians from the laboratory have been accepted to top Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D. and M.D. programs. Harvard Medical School and the surrounding hospitals bring together world renowned scientists and clinicians in a community dedicated to understanding the marvels of human biology and conquering disease. With regular symposia, daily seminars, and several large graduate programs, Harvard Medical School allows trainees to network, realize their career goals, and reach their full potential as scientists.

Requirements

• Bachelor or Master of Science degree in an appropriate field such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, or Chemistry.
• Some prior Molecular Biology experience (including coursework) is required.
• Prior experience in a leadership activity.
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
• Able to learn complex tasks with instruction.
• Able to learn and perform a variety of new techniques.

Nice To Haves

• Research Technician II candidates must have a minimum of two additional years of full-time research experience.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a scientific project under the direction of a postdoctoral fellow or doctoral student.
• Design, execute, interpret, record, and present experiments.
• Use software applications to interpret and present data.
• Read and interpret literature applicable to research areas.
• Participate actively in the scope and direction of research projects.
• Manage day to day activity and organization within the laboratory.
• Order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies.
• Renew and amend lab permits.
• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Maintain laboratory website.
• Serve as laboratory safety and radiation safety representative.

Benefits

• A competitive compensation package, with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• Preparation for graduate or medical school through hands-on research exposure, close mentorship, and structured professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities to contribute to scientific publications and gain experience in collaborative research.
• Networking and professional growth, including the opportunity to build strong interpersonal skills while working closely with investigators, postdocs, and interdisciplinary research teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level