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.

The Oyler-Yaniv and Lahav labs in Harvard Medical School’s Department of Systems Biology are looking for an intellectually engaged and highly motivated research assistant to support work on host-virus interactions and DNA damage responses. Both the Oyler-Yaniv and Lahav labs use quantitative, single-cell approaches to understand how cells make “decisions” that balance protection of the organism with avoidance of unnecessary damage. The Oyler-Yaniv lab focuses on host–virus interactions and the mechanisms that enable effective immune responses while limiting bystander tissue injury, while the Lahav lab studies how cells respond to DNA damage in ways that prevent cancer development without inappropriately eliminating cells with minor damage. A successful candidate will directly help to push these efforts by performing experiments with oversight from the labs’ PIs. Experiments will include, but are not limited to, cell culture and sterile technique, basic molecular biology, functional immune assays, ELISA, fluorescent time-lapse microscopy, and immunofluorescence. RAs will also be responsible for maintaining reagent stocks and inventories and for compiling basic experimental protocols for use in the lab. Additionally, the candidate will also be responsible for mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, tissue harvest, and imaging.

The individual will participate in group meetings and collaborate in writing papers and reports to funding agencies. They will attend seminar series within HMS and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the labs and Harvard Medical School. The candidate should enjoy working in close collaboration with lab members and other members of the Systems Biology department.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience in biological sciences or related quantitative field.
• At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework and laboratory experience in biology, cell and molecular biology, or related disciplines preferred. 
• Must have strong communication skills and eagerness to learn. Must have good organizational skills and be detail oriented.

• Term: This is a 1-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: 40 hours per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 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

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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.