Research Assistant I

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent individual for a full-time research assistant position in Dr. Bernardo Sabatini’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School. The research assistant will work primarily with Dr. Emily Ferenczi, a postdoctoral fellow and clinical neurologist, to investigate neural mechanisms underlying the regulation of motivated behavior. There may be an opportunity for the research assistant to transition to Dr. Emily Ferenczi’s independent laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) within 8-18 months in the position. 

We use mice as a model to study motivated behaviors such as goal-directed choice behavior, suppression of unwanted behaviors, and motor exploration. We use a wide range of techniques including optogenetics, pharmacology, electrophysiology, calcium-imaging, viral tracing, headfixed- and freely-moving behavior, to study how motivated behavior is modulated under different states and contexts. 

The research assistant’s responsibilities include performing behavioral training, fiber photometry calcium imaging, optogenetics, stereotaxic surgery, perfusion, dissection and slicing, RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, mouse colony management, imaging acquisition, and data analysis. The research assistant will participate in weekly lab meetings and fulfill lab responsibilities. The research assistant will learn and perform experiments with Dr Emily Ferenczi and other current research assistants in the lab. The research assistant will work with Dr. Ferenczi on a weekly basis to discuss experimental planning and data interpretation. 

Prior laboratory experience is required, as well as strong organizational skills and an eagerness to learn. Successful candidates will be independent, enthusiastic, flexible, self-motivated, and able to assimilate new information and execute quickly and with initiative. Expertise in engineering and/or data science is desired. The research assistant will have the opportunity to participate directly in the direction of the research project while taking advantage of the diverse, welcoming, and inspiring team of researchers in the Sabatini lab.

Working Conditions:

• Will be working with live animals (mice).
• Will be exposed to replication competent and incompetent viruses while using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Physical Requirements:

• The position involves frequently standing, walking, reaching overhead, and bending.
• Must be able to lift, carry, and maneuver items weighing up to 20lbs.  
• Requires consistent operation of a computer and scientific equipment requiring fine manipulation and visual acuity.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline. 
• At least one-year related lab experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree with prior experience in a wet lab environment. A major in Neuroscience, or a biology-related subject is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills are required.
• Experience in one or more of the following techniques would be preferred: mouse stereotaxic surgery, behavior, histological preparations and mouse colony management.
• Experience or willingness to work with mice as well as performing survival and non- survival procedures as necessary.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Some experience with programming, using MATLAB and/or Python is preferred.

Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed. Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.

• Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. 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.