Research Assistant II - Lab

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 Silver Lab in the Systems Biology Department at Harvard Medical School seeks an energetic, enthusiastic, and multi-talented individual to work as a Research Assistant II. This position will work on a range of projects relating to health and sustainability utilizing genetic circuit design in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and protein function design, including the design of potential therapeutics. Research techniques that will be utilized to carry out this project include: designing genetic circuits for bacteria cells; transforming bacteria cells; culturing and chemical induction of bacteria populations; performing bulk fluorescence measurement assays; performing flow cytometry; storing data; and performing data analysis. The position will also assist in maintaining an organized collection of plasmids and data collection protocols suitable for transfer to others including outside agencies. The employee should be able to conduct and analyze their research with guidance from their mentor. 

The individual will participate in group meetings and collaborate in writing papers and reports to funding agencies. They will attend seminar series within HMS and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the lab, Harvard Medical School, and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. Close collaboration with lab members and staff from both Systems Biology and the Wyss Institute is critical to these efforts.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background in the biological sciences or related discipline and 1-2+ years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• The ideal candidate will have experience dealing with DNA plasmids/preparation/culturing in bacteria; genetic circuit design, and cell-based fluorescence assays.

• Term: 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: 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
• 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.
• Other Information:

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

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Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 053. 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.