Laboratory Technician

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Macklis Lab is directed toward (1) understanding molecular controls and mechanisms over neuron sub-type development, diversity, axon guidance-circuit formation, and degeneration in the cerebral cortex, and (2) applying developmental controls toward brain and spinal cord regeneration and directed differentiation for in vitro therapeutic and mechanistic screening.

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and senior lab personnel, the laboratory technician will focus on one or more of the following areas:

• molecular biology, including cloning and CRISPR gene editing;
• mouse genetics, husbandry, behavior, neuroanatomy, and surgery;
• cell culture, including directed differentiation of stem cells into neurons and brain organoids;
• microscopy, tissue processing, CLARITY, and image analysis.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Typical Duties:

1. Perform standard tests and procedures, using developed approaches;

2. Under specific direction from senior lab personnel, maintain and genotype mouse lines and/or mammalian cell cultures;

3. Record experimental results and report data to supervisor and team.;

4. Participate in weekly lab meetings and journal clubs;

5. Assist other staff and students in basic laboratory techniques including standard molecular biology techniques, cell culture techniques, microscopy, and/or animal care;

6. Perform related lab duties such as maintaining and cleaning equipment, preparing common stock solutions, monitoring supplies and communicate supply needs to lab manager;

7. Assist with the animal colony, including health and environmental conditions monitoring, breeding and recording of clinical observations.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

• May be required to work with and handle lab-based animals
• May be required to lift, move and transport related laboratory equipment.
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.

Basic Qualifications (required):

• Experience with basic biological laboratory techniques is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills: (preferred):

• BA/BS in biological sciences is preferred, as is directly related lab experience.
• Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills.
• High level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team.
• Attention to detail, especially in regard to executing experimental protocols.
• Ability to think creatively to solve problems.
• Interest in one or more of the following is preferred: nervous system development, gene editing technology, animal handling, surgical techniques, stem cell culture, and microscopy techniques.

• Appointment End Date: This is a grant-funded one-year term position with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and the continued availability of funding.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  • All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

    
     

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 049. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.