Research Core Scientist

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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 Single Cell Core (SCC) at Harvard Medical School is seeking a Research Core Scientist to join our group. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of the SCC to become an expert in single cell RNA-sequencing and spatial transcriptomics methods, to perform/ execute experiments while collaborating with researchers to extract maximum value from the data generated from rare and precious samples, to work closely with the SCC Director to optimize and validate new technologies and procedures from a variety of genomics workflows. The candidate must be creative, analytical and detail oriented with excellent communication skills, and able to present their work to the group in lab meetings and regional scientific meetings. This is an opportunity to perform cutting-edge techniques at the forefront of next-generation sequencing and spatial transcriptomics methods, and to gain experience in project management and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently carries out complex single-cell and spatial transcriptomics experiments using different technologies. Performs library preparation and quality control steps. Provides updates and scientific reports on the progress of the experiment to the user. Collaborates with the Director to identify sources of error and makes improvements to workflow as necessary. 
• Collaborate with researchers to design and execute complex experiments with rare and precious samples. As a key HMS expert in single cell and spatial transcriptomics, participate in validating and optimizing experimental protocols, to establish streamlined custom workflows, and to provide insight and expert opinion during data analysis, interpretation and troubleshooting.
• Train faculty, trainees and other staff members in the instrumentation of single cell and spatial transcriptomics assays.
• Organize and present at multiple promotional and outreach activities, such as workshops, user group meetings etc.
• Oversee core maintenance task, such as purchasing supplies, equipment maintenance, database management. Perform other duties as required, such as billing and other administrative duties.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least one year of relevant work experience; OR
• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• MS/ PhD with 1-3 years of relevant experience (postdoctoral research counts) is strongly preferred.
• A clear understanding of basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA purification, PCR/RT-PCR amplification), some experience in microscopy (e.g. light microscopy, immunofluorescence etc.), and cell or tissue biology (e.g. tissue culture, or histology, etc.) Preparation methods associated with tissue sectioning, including cryosectioning or the sectioning of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples highly desirable. 
• The ability to work well in a team.
• Excellent organizational skill and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge in genomic data analysis in R or Python environments, including but not limited to single cell analysis in Seurat or Scanpy.
• Single-cell genomic data collection, including on platforms such as 10X Chromium.
• RNA in situ methods, such as single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or RNAscope.
• Spatial transcriptomics methods, including spatial capture methods, such as Visium or GeoMx, or image-based methods, such as MERFISH.

• 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 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• 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 056. 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.