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.

We currently have an opening for a Research Assistant I in the lab of Dr. Stephen Liberles at Harvard Medical School. The work of Dr. Liberles’s lab is focused on understanding internal and external sensory systems - from identifying sensory receptors to charting neural circuits that orchestrate behavioral and physiological responses. One area of the lab focuses on the vagus nerve - a major communication axis between the brain and body that helps monitor and control the physiological state of internal organs. In other work, we study how the nervous system orchestrates vital physiological processes such as metabolism, reproduction, and neuroimmune communication. Through genetic and molecular approaches, lab members look to investigate how neural circuits detect and respond to stimuli like stretch of stomach and airways, changes in blood pressure, nutrients, and the changes in body condition that occur throughout life and in diseases such as allergy and cancer. 

We are targeting curious, self-driven candidates who are passionate about basic scientific research and understanding how behaviors adapt to physiological state and need. The successful candidate will work closely under the supervision of a postdoc or senior graduate student using molecular, genetic, and physiological approaches to study neuroscience in mice. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to stay 2-3 years with the goal of providing preparatory training for graduate school. As this role involves interaction with animals, there is the chance for occasional night or weekend work, on an as needed basis. We seek to foster an inclusive and collegial environment and expect the successful candidate to be a good lab citizen and team player.

Responsibilities will include:

• Work efficiently and cooperatively to assist Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members with experiments.
• Perform experiments in sensory neuroscience using state-of-the-art approaches, such as optogenetics, neuronal mapping, imaging, behavioral analysis, mouse genetics, histochemistry, and measurements of autonomic physiology.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area.
• Help with lab organization, including accurate documentation and recording/maintenance of large data files.
• Assist with other support duties relating to lab management and operations as required.
• Assist, along with other lab members, in the maintenance of mouse breeding colony.

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline preferred.
• Advanced science classwork preferred.
• A passion for neuroscience is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working with mice is strongly preferred.
• Self-motivated and able to perform complex tasks effectively and independently with general instruction.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member while engaged in collaborative studies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow instruction with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored.
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.

• Appointment End Date: 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. Option to come in on weekends for experiments, if that helps make progress and advances training goals. 
• 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.