Research Assistant I Lab

16-Apr-2024

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

65020BR

Job Summary

The Department of Molecular Metabolism (MET) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) conducts pioneering research into the causes of underlying complex human disorders. Our studies aim to transform our understanding of wellness and disease and will help us develop novel approaches to address the major challenges to global public health. Learn more about MET and their research here: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/molecular-metabolism/

 We are seeking a Research Assistant to support the Ubellacker Lab which investigates ways to target metabolic changes in metastasizing cancer cells, with a focus on exploiting the lipidomic dependencies of cancer cells in the lymphatic niche. We are working to discover mechanisms that explain how lipid availability in the tumor microenvironment promotes cancer cell dissemination, colonization at distant organs, and the awakening of dormant cancer cells. We employ human and animal models of melanoma, breast, and prostate cancers with genomics, metabolomics, lipidomics to identify and target novel programs of lipid metabolism required for metastasis. We aspire to capitalize on these connections between cancer cells and the lipid microenvironment to reduce cancer progression, thus addressing a significant unmet clinical need for effective therapies to treat and prevent the spread of metastatic cancers.

Learn more about the Ubellacker Lab here: https://ubellackerlab.com/

The Research Assistant will hold an integral role within the lab by supporting and participating in the science.  We’re targeting someone highly organized, with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail.  This is an opportunity to have a tremendous impact on the running of a lab – ensuring a positive and encouraging work environment that fosters a strong and cohesive team.

This position offers the potential for professional growth.

Position Description

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist in supervising management of the laboratory plasmid and cell line inventories
• Along with other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator, the candidate will serve as a resource for both students and staff for a variety of issues
• Perform laboratory experiments utilizing specific and prescribed techniques and equipment
• Collect project data; process, organize and summarize data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms in collaboration
• Organize and manage laboratory databases and reagent collections
• May perform routine logging and testing of samples
• Assist in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols as a member of a project team or together with the principal investigator
• Assist in animal related lab matters including maintaining animal protocols, complying with university regulations and best practices of animal experiments, recording animal ordering/usage, and managing the mouse colony including ordering/import of animals
•  Perform related lab maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies
•  Communicate and coordinate with various department and school administrative personnel on lab issues
•  May instruct other staff and students in basic laboratory techniques and carry out lab safety orientation for new lab members
• Attend department and School meetings on behalf of the lab as needed (e.g. regular lab management meetings held by MET Research Operations Manager, journal clubs, seminars, and lab meetings)
• Participate in trainings as needed and appropriate to role
• Act as contact for some lab matters and work closely with department and central School staff on behalf of lab (e.g. operations, IT, research administration, and department administrators, IACUC, and EHS)
• Work efficiently and cooperatively with a team of researchers in support of projects
• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions
• Search out, read, discuss and apply relevant scientific literature
• Assist other scientists as required
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• 1+ year of research experience in molecular biology required; combination of education and experience will be considered 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in a scientific or related field
• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in biological sciences
• Prior experience working with animal models a strong plus
• Candidate must be self-motivated, energetic and able to work in a diverse laboratory environment
• Demonstrated experience engaging with others effectively in learning and applying appropriate practices
• Excellent organizational, communication, computer and record-keeping skills
• Knowledge of computer and MS office software, as well as Mac software

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Physical Requirements

• May be required to lift, move, and transport related laboratory equipment
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials

Additional Information

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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

Department

Molecular Metabolism

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values , our Principles of Citizenship , and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

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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