Research Assistant I Lab

29-Jun-2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

58835BR

Job Summary

The Hotamışlıgil Lab at the Sabri Ülker Center studies innate adaptive pathways involved in metabolic health and diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma. For the past 25 years, our lab has made important contributions to the burgeoning field of “immunometabolism", studying the interactions between metabolic and immune responses as critical drivers of numerous chronic diseases. In the last decade, we have approached immunometabolism in these two paths: organelle homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Using biochemical, genetic, and physiological studies, we aim to find novel pathways and preventive, therapeutic solutions to today’s greatest threats to global human health. The environment in our laboratory is collegial, supportive and diverse. One of the greatest powers of science is its ability to unite people, where representatives from every nation, culture, ethnicity, religion, and lifestyle  can work together for a common purpose. This is most evident in the Sabri Ülker Center, where we come together to tackle challenging questions and dream to make a positive impact on human life. We are looking for a Research Assistant who is enthusiastic and excited about the work we do in our lab, and who wants to make a strong scientific contribution to our research. This Research Assistant will work with genetically engineered mouse models and perform a wide variety of physiology experiments, including studies implementing advanced physiological instrumentation and surgeries. It is an opportunity to learn advanced techniques in molecular biology, protein and RNA purification and analysis, mammalian tissue culture, biochemical assays, immunostaining and microscopy. He/she will follow up experiments by organizing, processing and reporting data. The Research Assistant will be expected to be fully engaged in the intellectual activities of the lab and actively participate in lab meetings and discussions.

Position Description

We are seeking a Research Assistant I Lab (RA) who is enthusiastic and excited about the work we do in our lab, and who wants to make a strong scientific contribution to our research. The RA will have the opportunity to perform multiple techniques both in-vivo and in primary cellular models.

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

• Generating and maintaining several strains of mice and appropriately matched controls
• Performing mouse metabolic physiology experiments, including processing mouse blood and tissue samples for protein and RNA analysis
• Analyzing animal models including highly-sophisticated experimentation, reconstitution, primary cell preparations, biochemical and molecular analysis and physiological phenotype analysis
• Maintaining cell cultures and performing cell culture experiments
• Assisting lab members with experiments
• Analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data
• Participating in and intellectually contributing to lab meetings, journal clubs, and data discussions
• Performing other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• 1+ year of relevant experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience in basic molecular and cellular biology techniques required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in biological sciences
• Demonstrated passion for science, and interest in joining a diverse laboratory community
• High level of initiative and motivation
• Experience and comfortability with working independently and with a team
• Excellent communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills
• Strong organizational skills and experience in handling sensitive and confidential information
• Experience in performing animal studies

• 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

Additional Information

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events -- and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.

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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.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage .

Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Department

Molecular Metabolism

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

31-Dec-2022

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 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.