Research Assistant I

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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.

About the Department of Genetics:

The Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School is a leading academic center for genetics and genomics research worldwide. The department's faculty pursue a broad range of research questions spanning fundamental molecular genetics, developmental biology, human genetics, computational genomics, and synthetic biology, supported by extensive shared resources for sequencing, microscopy, and computational analysis. Trainees and staff in the department benefit from a vibrant scientific environment that includes regular seminar series, collaborative interactions across the Harvard Medical School Quad, and proximity to affiliated institutions including the Wyss Institute, the Broad Institute, and the Harvard-affiliated hospitals. The Department of Genetics is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that supports the professional development of all members of its community.

The Nyerges Lab (https://engineeringbio.science) at Harvard Medical School, Department of Genetics, is seeking a Research Assistant to join a newly established, independent research group working at the interface of bacterial genome engineering, directed evolution, and biomedical applications. 

Building on our published work in genome and genetic code engineering (Nyerges et al., Nature 2023; Nyerges et al., BioRxiv, 2024), directed evolution and preclinical drug development (Nyerges et al., 2020; Szili et al., 2019), current projects combine molecular microbiology, directed evolution, and computational chemistry to create engineered bacterial strains and new-to-nature proteins for biomedical applications. 

The position is well suited for a motivated post-baccalaureate candidate with an interest in molecular biology, microbiology, or related biomedical disciplines who is preparing to apply to a PhD program and seeks to strengthen their publication track record and research skillset. 

The successful candidate will participate in group meetings, contribute to manuscript and experimental protocol preparation, attend seminar series within Harvard Medical School, and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the lab and the Department of Genetics. 

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will execute experiments in bacterial genetics and directed evolution; perform molecular cloning, PCR, plasmid and reagent preparation, and standard E. coli genetic manipulations; carry out DNA and RNA extraction, quality assessment, and handling under RNase-free conditions; prepare RNA-seq and DNA sequencing libraries for both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms; prepare purified protein samples for LC-MS/MS analysis, and analyze the resulting transcriptomic and genomic datasets using standard bioinformatics tools.  

The candidate will also contribute to downstream characterization of engineered strains in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including sample collection and processing for molecular analyses. The Research Assistant will maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records, contribute to the development of new experimental methods, present results at internal group meetings, and have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications reporting the resulting work. The Research Assistant will also assist other lab members in daily duties, including reagent preparation, general lab maintenance, and inventory documentation.

The position requires careful experimental execution, attention to detail, a dynamic and dedicated work ethic, and the ability to critically evaluate experimental results.

Working Conditions:

Standard wet-laboratory environment at Harvard Medical School. Work is performed predominantly at biosafety levels BSL-1 and BSL-2 and involves routine use of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli, yeast, and standard molecular biology reagents. The position requires the routine use of personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats, safety glasses, and disposable gloves, and adherence to all applicable biosafety, chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety policies and standard operating procedures. 

Some work may involve handling of vertebrate animals or animal-derived samples in accordance with institutional Animal Care and Use Committee policies, with appropriate training and protocol coverage provided. The position is fully on-site at the Harvard Medical School Longwood campus.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform standard wet-lab work, including extended periods of standing or sitting at the laboratory bench, biosafety cabinet, or computer workstation. Ability to use manual micropipettes and microbial inoculating loops, requiring fine motor coordination to transfer <1 mm bacterial colonies. Visual sufficient to read instrument displays, computer monitors, indicator dyes, electrophoresis gels, and perform small-volume (microliter-scale) measurements. Ability to lift and carry items typical of a molecular biology and microbiology laboratory environment, including reagent bottles, ice buckets, autoclave loads, and small pieces of laboratory equipment, weighing up to approximately 30 pounds (14 kg). Ability to use a computer for extended periods for data analysis, electronic record-keeping, and written communication.  

A tailored cover letter is strongly preferred. Applicants are encouraged to describe their relevant training and hands-on laboratory experience, the specific techniques with which they have hands-on experience (with attention to the essential and viewed favorably skills listed in the Position Information), and how their research interests and career goals align with the scope of the position. Generic or untailored cover letters and applications submitted without a cover letter will be considered, but priority will be given to applicants who clearly articulate the fit between their background and the position.

Basic Qualifications:

At least one year of related work experience in a molecular biology laboratory (relevant coursework may count toward experience). College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

A Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline is strongly preferred. Preference will be given to candidates with two or more years of hands-on wet-lab experience in molecular biology and microbiology, and a demonstrated record of careful, reproducible experimental work.

Essential Skills (strongly preferred):

Prior hands-on experience with RNA work (including RNA extraction, quality control, and handling under RNase-free conditions) and demonstrated experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation (RNA-seq strongly preferred; DNA/amplicon library preparation for Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing is also expected). Genetic manipulation of E. coli or related bacterial species (DNA transformation, plasmid extraction, PCR, molecular cloning) and standard microbiological techniques are required.

Viewed Favorably:

Prior experience with in vivo rodent studies and associated sample processing, bacteriophage biology, LC-MS/MS sample preparation, directed evolution, DNA sequence analysis and design (Geneious, Breseq), and programming skills (R, Python).

The laboratory prefers candidates who can commit to approximately two years in the position to support sustained project ownership and authorship on resulting publications, though no fixed commitment is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills, a collaborative work style, and the ability to work carefully and reliably within established laboratory protocols are expected.

Certificates and Licenses:

None required at time of hire. The successful candidate will be required to complete standard Harvard Medical School Environmental Health and Safety training upon hire, including general laboratory safety, bloodborne pathogens (if applicable), biosafety at BSL-1 and BSL-2 levels, chemical hygiene, and hazardous waste management. If the candidate's responsibilities will include work with vertebrate animals, completion of the required HMS training modules, occupational health clearance, and species-specific training will also be required prior to commencing such work. All training is provided by Harvard.

• 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.

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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.