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 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 Whited Lab focuses on limb regeneration in axolotl salamanders. The lab’s current effort focuses on identifying the mechanisms whereby axolotls initiate limb regeneration and the systemic controls on this process. The tools used include manipulation of gene expression and protein activity in vivo, sequencing, proteomics, and functional assays.  The lab is also translating insights from axolotls into mice.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Reporting to Principal Investigator, Prof. Jessica Whited, the RA performs the daily operations and provides organizational management of the axolotl research colony, including implementation of approved animal husbandry protocols, oversight of employees tasked with routine animal care, optimization of husbandry schedules and protocols, supply ordering, and ensuring compliance in the facility. RA will also perform husbandry tasks in the aquatics facility on a daily basis. RA will also work with mice within the separate, university-managed mouse facility. RA will make recommendations to PI about resource and operational issues. RA will also perform routine lab ordering support and serve as the lab’s safety officer. RA will be expected to directly collaborate with researchers to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. 

Basic Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Candidate should have excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Candidate will likely have an undergraduate degree in molecular, cellular, developmental, regenerative, or organismal biology. Understanding of developmental and regenerative biology is required. Understanding of basic chemistry and infectious diseases is also required. Candidate must provide examples of personal initiative and creativity in the workplace. Ability to work well within a team is essential. Extra consideration will be given to candidates with workplace or home experience with aquatic species, particularly amphibians, and/or experience with mice. Candidate must be able to lift, move, and transport related laboratory equipment. Candidate may be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.

• Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term position
• 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

#LI-KO1

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.