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 Fishell Laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at the Harvard Medical School is in search of a Research Assistant. The successful candidate will advance the doctoral research of one of the Lab's Research Fellows on developmental plasticity of Myh8+ somatostatin (SST) interneuron synaptic connectivity with cortical pyramidal neurons, while contributing to the broader operations and scientific program of the laboratory under the coordination of lab manager.

Primary Project Support: Advance the experimental pipeline for current Research Fellow’s doctoral project characterizing the developmental plasticity of the Myh8+ subclass of somatostatin (SST) interneurons and their synaptic integration with cortical pyramidal neurons. Specific duties include:

• Mouse colony management for Cre, reporter, and intersectional lines relevant to the Myh8+ SST population.
• Perfusion, tissue processing, cryosectioning, and immunohistochemistry.
• Confocal and high-resolution imaging, followed by quantitative image analysis of synaptic and morphological features.
• Assisting with stereotaxic viral infections, in situ hybridization (HCR/RNAscope), and preparations for ex vivo electrophysiology as needed.
• Maintaining rigorous electronic lab notebook records and contributing to figure preparation and data summaries.

General Laboratory Support: Support broader laboratory operations under lab manager, including:

• Shared reagent preparation, ordering, and inventory.
• Genotyping pipeline and mouse husbandry oversight.
• Equipment maintenance and onboarding of new lab members.

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelors degree in biology, neuroscience, or biochemistry or related field preffered.
• Previous research experience preferred.

• 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.