Research Assistant I

20-May-2024

Harvard Medical School

65811BR

Position Description

A laboratory at Harvard Medical School/HHMI studying the development and degeneration of the central nervous system, with an emphasis on the eye, seeks a research technician for studies aimed towards ocular gene therapy.
Duties will include the breeding and maintenance of a mouse colony and injection of viruses into mice, as well as injections and dissections of chick embryos. The ability to perform small animal surgery, behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy are preferred, but not essential.

The individual will be responsible for the animal husbandry for a gene therapy project. Breeding and genotyping mice and rats, and keeping the breeding colony well managed, will be one role. Assays of vision following gene therapy for blindness will be an additional duty, using an electroretinogram and OCT imaging of the eyes. Duties will include dissections of eye tissue, followed by processing for gene expression and high-content imaging and quantification of photoreceptors.

The candidate will be required to collect, process, organize and summarize project data. Assist in other experiments as needed.

This is an entry level, research assistant position that will require oversight from lab members or direct supervision from the PI.

Basic Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• College degree, with some experience in basic molecular biology, tissue culture, animal handling, and microscopy preferred.
• Good communication skills and ability to take direction as necessary are essential.
• Small animal surgery, behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, and microscopy will also be required.
• Self-motivated, reliability, organized, detailed-oriented and good communication skills are required.
• Experience in basic molecular biology, tissue culture, and microscopy are preferred, but not required.

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

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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