Laboratory Technician

12-Mar-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65258BR

Job Summary

The Hoekstra Lab seeks a skilled Laboratory Technician. The lab is a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment studying the neurobiology, genetics, and behavior of deer mice in an evolutionary framework.

Position Description

The Laboratory Technician will perform a variety of animal care and laboratory safety techniques independently, reporting results to supervisor or other lab personnel. May work in consultation with senior researchers to assist laboratory behavioral and molecular experiments. The Laboratory Technician, under minimal direction, will perform and/or coordinate laboratory safety and animal husbandry. There may be opportunities for training in a variety of support tasks and projects determined by the field and scope of the research needs as well as the interests of the candidate.

The Laboratory Technician will complete the following functions:

Coordinates and carries out multiple aspects of animal colony maintenance including but not limited to setting up breeding pairs, pup checks, weans, filling mouse requests, and monthly mouse counts.

Assists PI and lab admin with ensuring adherence to all animal welfare regulatory oversights.

Maintains laboratory safety protocols and records, adhering to all EH&S and other regulatory oversights, attends regular safety meetings, and disseminates necessary information to the lab.

Performs laboratory maintenance tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis such as autoclaving, waste compliance, supply inventories, ordering consumables, freezer organization, shipping and receiving, working with vendors, and undertaking special projects as required.

Under direction may be asked to perform laboratory behavioral and molecular experiments utilizing specific and proscribed techniques and equipment to further existing, ongoing lab research projects.

Under direction may be asked to process, organize, summarize, and analyze data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet, or statistical software applications or program platforms.

Contributes to unit goals by undertaking other duties as required.

Will attend team meetings for experimental planning.

Basic Qualifications

College background in biology, veterinary sciences, or related science; and at least one year of experience in a laboratory setting are required. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

B.S./M.S. Degree in biology, veterinary sciences, or related science preferred. Understands and follows good laboratory practices including record keeping. Previous animal experience and interest in biology strongly preferred. Experience with applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, is required. Appropriate communication skills required. Responsible, self-motivated, and detail-oriented, with excellent organizational and interpersonal communication skills. The ideal candidate should be enthusiastic about animal care and laboratory management, eager to learn and become proficient in new techniques and approaches, and able to communicate effectively with lab members and maintain excellent organization.

Working Conditions

Will be required to work with and handle animals.

May be required to lift, move, and transport related laboratory equipment or work with hazardous materials.

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.

Additional Information

In order to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted.

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

***All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based  on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

About Us

OEB is a diverse and vibrant department with a broad range of research and teaching interests, ranging from the evolution and control of gene expression patterns within individuals and populations to the dynamics of ecosystems. Field and laboratory studies are key to understanding the evolution of organisms, how biodiversity is generated and maintained, how organisms work, and how organisms interact with their environment. OEB has close working associations with its allied institutions: the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) and the Harvard University Herbaria (HUH), as well as the Arnold Arboretum and the Harvard Forest. These institutions and their collections offer an unparalleled, rich set of resources for OEB students, faculty, visitors and staff. www.oeb.harvard.edu

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.

Department Office Location

USA – MA – Cambridge

Job Code

403096 Laboratory Technician

Department

Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (OEB)

Union

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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.