Research Assistant I Lab

10-Apr-2024

Harvard Medical School

65436BR

Position Description

The Yellen lab at Harvard Medical School Neurobiology is looking for a research technician. Our research is focused on understanding neuronal metabolism and how it is influenced by – and influences – neuronal activity and excitability. The lab develops tools for studying neural metabolism, including engineered proteins that function as fluorescent biosensors of metabolism, and we study the dynamics of metabolism in mouse brain using both ex vivo and in vivo imaging methods. We also work to learn the role of altered metabolism in preventing epileptic seizures, inspired by the ability of ketogenic diets to treat human epilepsy.

The successful candidate will work under close supervision by Dr Yellen and others in the lab to 1) manage a moderate size mouse colony, including genotyping and performing mouse surgery (stereotactic injection of viral expression vectors), 2) perform molecular biology procedures including plasmid DNA preparation, PCR, subcloning, biochemical assays, bacterial expression of fluorescent proteins, and fluorescence analysis; and 3) perform a small amount of tissue culture (cell line maintenance and transfection). There may also be the opportunity to do semi-independent projects on fluorescent biosensor development. The successful candidate should be well-organized, motivated, and a responsible team member.

Basic Qualifications

College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• The candidate should have a general education in molecular biology and should be familiar with the basic concepts of plasmids, expression vectors, and subcloning, as well as hands-on experience with good laboratory practices and sterile technique.
• Some experience with mice is preferred.
• Detailed guidance and training will be provided for each of the specific procedures used.
• All of the work requires attention to detail, and some of it requires creative problem solving.
• In general, the successful candidate is someone who always has their “head in the game.”

Additional Information

The position is for a 12 month term; renewable 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 is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston. 

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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