Research Assistant I

19-Mar-2024

Harvard Medical School

65227BR

Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible full-time Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Bernardo Sabatini at Harvard Medical School. The Sabatini Lab seeks to understand the mechanisms of synaptic and circuit plasticity that govern learning and development (More information on the lab can be found on their website: https://sabatini.hms.harvard.edu/). We employ a range of approaches including ex vivo and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, imaging and behavior to delineate how changes in neural circuits evolve over the course learning and/or lifespan.

In this role, you will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Kevin Mastro, investigating the neural mechanisms for
reward-driven behavior over aging with a particular focus on the period of development known as adolescence. Furthermore, we will employ reinforcement learning models and machine learning algorithms to uncover how changes in neural activity drive changes in decision-making. The candidate will assist with stereotaxic surgeries, awake-behavior in head-restrained and freely moving mice, large- scale electrophysiological experiments, and histology. The best candidates will be comfortable working both in a team setting and independently and have an organized, methodical approach to their work on their website: https://sabatini.hms.harvard.edu/

Basic Qualifications

One-year related lab experience. Advanced education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in any STEM-related fields (Ex. Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics,
• Chemistry)
• Experience with animal husbandry and knowledge of basic genetics
• Proficiency with database software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, etc)
• Experience with data analysis and programming in MATLAB and/or Python is greatly preferred
• Previous experience with animal behavior will be helpful, but is not required
• Excellent communication, organization, and record keeping skills
• Must be a team player able to interact effectively with a large group and work independently.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities! ( https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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