Research Assistant II - Lab

28-Jun-2023

Harvard Medical School

62434BR

Position Description

The DePace lab at Harvard Medical School has the long-term goal of understanding how regulatory DNA dictates transcriptional network behavior and, ultimately, organismal phenotype and evolution. Their approach is mechanistically motivated: they believe that understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive transcription will lead to models of gene regulation that can predict the functional consequences of regulatory sequence changes and guide production of new types of regulatory circuits. As the Research Technician, you will be assisting other members in the lab with various experiments in support of research goals. This position will provide you with an excellent opportunity for scientific learning, development of research skills, and direct mentorship in an intellectually stimulating environment. What you’ll do: Conduct RNA FISH experiments. Use molecular biology techniques working with bacteria and DNA. Learn innovative imaging methods to analyze gene expression in the Drosophila embryo using confocal microscopy. Assist with the design and engineering of new Drosophila lines using CRISPR/Cas9 methods. Collaborate with other lab members on experimental design, creation of appropriate methods and protocols, and development of new laboratory techniques. Analyze data, formulate conclusions, and create appropriate statistical presentations, including graphs and charts, and prepare and present written or oral progress reports regarding studies. Actively contribute to laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

Basic Qualifications

College background in the biological sciences or related discipline and 2+ years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Understanding of basic molecular biology techniques.
• Previous hands-on research experience working in a laboratory would be a plus, but is not required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive and self-motivated mentality with an eagerness to learn and grow

Additional Information

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston. 

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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Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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

403112 Research Assistant II Lab

Department

Systems Biology

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

​40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 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

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.