Research Assistant I

15-Nov-2024

Research Assistant I

Harvard Medical School

67293BR

Position Description

The Kaeser laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School seeks to understand mechanisms of the release and signaling of neurotransmitters. Our work focuses and fast synaptic mechanisms and on modulatory systems like dopamine and serotonin. We use a variety of approaches including genetic, molecular, electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral techniques.

The Research Assistant will perform a variety of laboratory research tasks related to our projects on neurotransmission. The work will be performed under specific direction, and the research assistant may be asked to perform familiar tasks independently. The person we are looking for should be well organized and motivated, have strong communication skills and work well with a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

Typical duties include:

• Performs experiments to assess neurotransmission in the brain. This may include work with experimental animals (mouse genetic techniques, mouse husbandry, tissue collection, behavioral analyses), molecular and cell biological techniques (PCR, cloning, plasmid DNA preparation, tissue culture), and morphological analyses of neuronal tissue (antibody staining, microcopy).
• Organizes and summarizes data, reporting experimental progress and results using a variety of processing platforms.
• Prepares solutions and stocks for general lab operations and supports routine laboratory maintenance tasks such as maintaining and cleaning equipment, ordering of lab supplies, and maintaining services with vendors. It also includes the tracking of orders, logging of receipts and processing of invoices.  

Basic Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience.
• At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Previous experience in mouse husbandry, neuroscience, brain morphology, and/or cellular and molecular biology preferred. Excellent organizational skills are mandatory. Intent for a > 1 yr commitment preferred.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.

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.

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

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). 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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

052

Department

Neurobiology

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values   
https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-valu…

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.