Research Assistant I

07-Mar-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

65121BR

Job Summary

The Hsu lab at Harvard’s Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (http://hsulaboratory.org) utilizes mouse as a primary model to study stem cell biology and developmental biology of the skin.

Position Description

Under direction of the Principal Investigator and the lab members, the research assistant will be responsible for rodent animal husbandry, including management of mouse cohort, health monitoring, breeding and weaning, tail or toe biopsies, genotyping, tissue collection, and lab database management. The research assistant will also perform general laboratory support tasks and will assist lab members with scientific projects. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Perform a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests – for example toe biopsy collections, genotyping, tissue histology, tissue section, microscopy, immunofluorescence;
• Submit and the management of animal protocols;
• Surgical procedures on laboratory mice or other rodents; 
• Conduct experiments supporting research projects under the guidance of lab members;
• Prepare/place orders and do appropriate follow-up for purchase and maintenance of laboratory equipment, reagents, lab supplies, and animals (mice or other rodents);
• Prepare and maintain stocks of reagents, solutions and supplies;
• Maintain lab records and compliance with safety and biohazard;
• Instruct new lab members in routine laboratory tests/techniques;
• May act as laboratory liaison to vendors, core facilities, and other laboratories.

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about scientific research, is an excellent communicator and a team player, and understands the necessary groundwork to keep a fast-paced lab functional to join our team.

Basic Qualifications

College level coursework in cellular and molecular biology and one year of biological laboratory research experience is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field.
• The ideal candidate will have at least 1-2 year of experience in rodent husbandry (e.g., toe/tail/ear tissue clipping, breeding) and mouse colony management.
• If you have the following skills, please describe the specific skills you have in your cover letter: mouse surgery skills, molecular biology or biochemistry, histology, FACS, immunofluorescent staining, and microscopy.
• Computer experience relevant to analysis and documentation of experimental results is essential (Word, Excel, and other database management).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to excel in a collaborative, team-oriented, fast-paced environment is important.
• A willingness to learn new techniques and the ability to take on new roles as the needs of the lab change.
• If you are familiar with any of the following, please indicate in your cover letter: experience with deep sequencing data analysis, Adobe Illustrator (for scientific illustration), proofreading or editing. These are not essential skills for the position, but we would like to know if you have experience.

Additional Information

This is a grant-funded one-year term position with the possibility of extension based on continued availability of funding.
All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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. 

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

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Department

Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology

Union

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

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.

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