Research Assistant I Lab

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Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Summary:

The mission of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to improve human health through better nutrition and lifestyle. The Department strives to accomplish this goal through research aimed at an increased understanding of how diet influences health at molecular and population levels, the development of nutritional strategies, informing policy, the education of researchers and practitioners, and the dissemination of nutrition information to health professionals and the public.

The Nutritional Biomarker Lab is a core facility within the Department of Nutrition, specializing in assays to measure a variety of physiologically-relevant biomolecules. Fatty acids, antioxidants, and lipoproteins play significant roles in human health, and the quantification of these important molecules provide insights into metabolic and inflammatory processes that underpin a variety of pathologies.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

We are seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to help with assessing fatty acids from large patient studies. The RA will be performing solvent-based extractions of fatty acids from human samples, performing GC-FID characterization of FA constituents, and then analyzing chromatographic data to measure relative levels of key FA’s. Following data analysis, results are compiled into reports for review with the lab manager. Tasks associated with routine GC maintenance, monitoring of consumables used, and efficient chromatography data analysis will be key to this role.

The successful Research Assistant may also have opportunities to learn assessments of carotenoids/antioxidants and lipoproteins using HPLC-based methods and immunoassays, respectively. Other lab-related tasks may be assigned. This position will require a candidate with a willingness to learn chemical instrumentation and the requisite assays for measuring essential biomolecules and immunoassays such as ELISA or using chemical analyzer, all while gaining insights to the operations of a Harvard core facility and contributing meaningfully to a collaborative study. Strong communication skills and a superlative work ethic are desired for the analyst in this role.

Basic laboratory bench skills should include working with a variety of solvents, pipettors, and preparation of solutions. Familiarity with chemistry lab instrumentation such as gas chromatography, HPLC, and/or capillary electrophoresis are desirable. Strong proficiency with Excel, Word, and familiarity with various Office programs and PC-based operating systems are essential. The candidate will be required to work in a BSL2-level environment, handling small volumes of frozen human-derived samples while using the appropriate personal protective equipment Additional duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Organic phase extraction from human blood, human tissues, and food products
• Operation and maintenance of GC-FID and other chromatography instruments such as HPLC
• Conduct an ELISA assays
• Operate and maintain chemical analyzers
• Integration of chromatograms, reduction of data, and generation of raw data forms for further evaluation
• Reviewing integrated data with lab manager, discussion of operational performance and assay troubleshooting
• Monitoring of lab supplies; stock and ordering supplies when necessary
• Maintenance of lab equipment and general lab housekeeping such as conducting samples and supplies inventories
• Other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE:  The schedule for this position is Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM and some scheduling flexibility may be required.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit and/or stand at lab bench for several hours at a time 
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds

Basic Qualifications:

• 1+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field but Master's degree preferred
• Experience in a laboratory setting
• Proficiency with chemical lab instrumentation and wet lab experience
• Basic lab skills such as solutions preparation, pipetting, and general lab safety techniques
• Prior experience with chromatographic instrumentation, especially GC, HPLC, and ELISA including data analysis
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Word

• Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire 
• 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, Criminal

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country! 

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions. 

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings. 

• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers. 

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines. 

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.