Research Assistant I Lab

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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.

The Walter Laboratory (https://walter.hms.harvard.edu/) at Harvard Medical School and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Boston is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to study genome maintenance and how defects in this process cause cancer and other human diseases. The laboratory uses a powerful biochemical system derived from frog eggs as a model to study mechanisms of DNA replication and DNA repair. We use molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and single-molecule imaging approaches. The Walter lab is a welcoming community where all members actively work together to understand how cells maintain their genomes in health and disease. 

Under supervision from a post-doctoral fellow or graduate student, the Research Assistant will pursue a project involving a wide range of techniques, including setting up in-vitro biochemical reactions using frog egg extracts, electrophoresis, microscopy, Western blotting, and molecular cloning. In conducting their research, technicians will design, carry out, interpret, record, and present experiments. 

Our technicians are encouraged to take intellectual ownership of their projects. They present at lab meetings and journal clubs, contribute to manuscripts, and sometimes attend scientific conferences. ~70% of time will be dedicated to research, with the remaining time spent on activities that support the entire laboratory (see below). Working in the Walter laboratory is excellent preparation for graduate and medical school. Former technicians from the laboratory have been accepted to top Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and M.D. programs. 

Harvard Medical School and the surrounding hospitals bring together world-renowned scientists and clinicians in a community dedicated to understanding the marvels of human biology and conquering disease. With regular symposia, daily seminars, and several large graduate programs, Harvard Medical School allows young trainees to realize their career goals and reach their full potential as scientists. 

Responsibilities 

• Carry out a scientific project under the direction of a postdoctoral fellow or Ph.D. candidate. Design, execute, interpret, record, and present experiments. Participate actively in the scope and direction of research projects.
• Read and interpret literature applicable to research areas. 
• Use software applications to interpret and present data.
• Participate actively in the scope and direction of research projects. 
• Manage day-to-day to day activity and organization within the laboratory. 
• Order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies. 
• Renew and amend lab permits. 
• Maintain laboratory equipment. 
• Maintain laboratory website. 
• Serve as laboratory safety and radiation safety representative.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in Biochemistry, Molecular or Cell Biology, Chemistry, or related discipline. 
• At least one year of related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Some prior Molecular Biology experience (including coursework) is highly preferred.
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.
• Able to learn complex tasks with instruction. 
• Able to learn and perform a variety of new techniques.

• Appointment End Date: This is a six-month 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 hrs. 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
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• 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.