Research Technician I, Ancient DNA

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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.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior scientists, the Research Technician I will support research focused on the analysis of ancient human DNA. The technician will work as part of a highly collaborative team of up to four technicians, rotating through a shared set of laboratory activities and receiving hands-on training from senior laboratory staff and the Lab Director. The position involves both clean-room and non–clean-room work and includes preparation of ancient human skeletal samples, DNA extraction, library preparation, enrichment, sequencing preparation, and downstream data quality control. The technician will participate fully in laboratory meetings and contribute as an equal member of the research team.

This position is well suited for candidates who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree and have a strong interest in ancient DNA, human evolution, and anthropology. It offers a unique opportunity to be trained in specialized laboratory techniques in a dynamic and collaborative research environment. 
 

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform sample preparation in a dedicated clean-room environment, including preparation of powder from human skeletal remains for DNA extraction.
• Extract DNA and prepare next-generation sequencing libraries in a clean-room environment following established protocols.
• Amplify DNA, perform library cleanup, and enrich of sequencing libraries.
• Prepare enriched libraries for sequencing and perform basic data quality control and analysis.
• Operate and assist with liquid handling robotic systems.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.
• Decontaminate equipment and work surfaces after each experiment and perform routine cleaning and maintenance of clean rooms and laboratory equipment.
• Participate in frequent discussions with laboratory colleagues working on ancient DNA projects.
• Perform occasional sample preparation outside of the clean-room environment (for example, in museum or collection settings).
• Prepare, order, and maintain inventories of laboratory consumables and supplies.
• Document, compile, and organize experimental results and data.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors through written and oral reports.
• Read and stay current with relevant scientific literature.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and work effectively as a member of a team of research technicians with shared and rotating responsibilities.
• Training and Supervision: Comprehensive training will be provided by senior laboratory staff, other research technicians, and the Lab Director.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least 1 year of related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology principles.
• Excellent fine motor skills.
• Meticulous work habits – to include keeping a detailed and accurate lab notebook.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to experiments and outcomes.
• Strong ability to multitask.
• Excellent written, documentation and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with genomics (library preparation and sequencing) and sterile techniques.
• Previous work in an Ancient DNA laboratory.
• Skilled at trouble-shooting experiments.
• Familiarity with genetics and next-generation sequencing, Medical Diagnostics or microarray fabrication (either in academia or industry.)
• Familiarity with Cell Culture, including training in sterile techniques.

• Term: This is a 1-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: 40 hours 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
• 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

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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.