Research Assistant I

26-Mar-2024

Harvard Medical School

65285BR

Position Description

Are you interested in studying how the intense demands of the brain regulate blood-flow and metabolism. At the Gu lab, we explore how the blood vessels in the brain respond to the high demands of neurons by a process called "neurovascular coupling". To understand this process, we use cutting-edge technologies in neuroscience, vascular biology, and genetics including live imaging of brain function, optogenetics, electrophysiology, mouse genetics, and viral vectors for genetic manipulation.

During your time as a member of the Gu lab team, you will gain experience with the scientific method, experimental design, leadership, and time management, and have the freedom to implement your own ideas to help to accelerate scientific projects. Specific techniques you will develop include surgical implantation of cranial windows for live brain imaging in mice, molecular biology, genetics, and immunohistochemistry. There are many opportunities for career development and academic growth within the Gu lab and the larger Harvard Medical School system. This would be an ideal position for a passionate, hardworking individual who is looking for a robust career experience of at least 2 years before transitioning to the next chapter of their educational or professional journey.

Basic Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least, one- year of related lab experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree with prior experience in a wet lab environment.
• Must have good communication skills, organization, and be a team player.
• Experience in one or more of the following techniques would be preferred: stereotaxic mouse surgeries, craniotomy, mouse work, viral cloning & molecular biology, and injections. Otherwise, qualified candidates without mouse surgery experience can learn the procedures on the job, but all candidates must be willing to work with mice including performing survival and non-survival procedures.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Some experience with programming, using MATLAB is preferred.
• Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed.
• Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.

Additional Information

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. 

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.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

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-values-diversity-statement

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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