Research Assistant I

20-Jan-2024

Harvard Medical School

64722BR

Position Description

 We are seeking a highly motivated and independent individual for a full-time research assistant position in Dr. Bernardo Sabatini’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School. The research assistant will work primarily with Dr. Allison Girasole, a postdoctoral fellow, to investigate neural mechanisms underlying the regulation of motivated behavior.

We use mice as a model to study motivated behaviors such as goal-directed choice behavior, suppression of unwanted behaviors, and motor exploration. We use a wide range of techniques including optogenetics, pharmacology, electrophysiology (in vivo and in vitro), calcium-imaging, viral tracing, and head-fixed and freely-moving behavior, to study how motivated behavior is modulated under different states and contexts.

The research assistant’s responsibilities include performing behavioral training, fiber photometry calcium imaging, optogenetics, stereotaxic surgery, perfusion, dissection and slicing, immunohistochemistry, mouse colony management, imaging acquisition, and data analysis.

The research assistant will participate in weekly lab meetings and fulfill lab responsibilities. The research assistant will learn and perform experiments with Dr. Girasole and other current research assistants in the lab. The research assistant will meet with Dr. Girasole weekly to discuss experimental planning and data interpretation.

Prior laboratory experience is required, as well as strong organizational skills and an eagerness to learn. Successful candidates will be independent, enthusiastic, flexible, self-motivated, and able to assimilate new information and execute quickly and with initiative. Expertise in engineering and/or data science (particularly Python) is desired and is strongly preferred. The research assistant will have the opportunity to participate directly in the direction of the research project while taking advantage of the diverse, welcoming, and inspiring team of researchers in the Sabatini lab.

More information on the lab can be found at: https://sabatini.hms.harvard.edu/

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree with prior experience in a wet lab environment. A major in Neuroscience, computer science, engineering or a biology-related subject is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills are required.
• One-year related lab experience. Advanced education may count towards experience.
• Experience in one or more of the following techniques would be preferred: mouse stereotaxic surgery, behavior, histological preparations, and mouse colony management.
• Experience or willingness to work with mice as well as performing survival and non- survival procedures as necessary.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles.
• Experience with computer programming, using MATLAB and/or Python is preferred.
• Experience with Python is huge plus and preference.
• Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed.
• Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.
• 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.

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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
Occasional weekends and work outside of normal hours may be required.

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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