Job Description

Research Assistant I

05-Dec-2024
Research Assistant I

Harvard Medical School

67440BR

Position Description

The Datta lab in the Department of Neurobiology is seeking a Research Assistant to support research on the lab's overarching goal: to reveal how the brain composes natural behaviors that are endowed with purpose. Our work takes advantage of an interdisciplinary toolkit (including functional imaging, closed-loop optogenetics, cell fate mapping and single-cell sequencing) and approaches of our own making, including machine learning-based methods, to understand how sensory and motor systems usefully intertwine to support cognition.

The Research Assistant will perform a variety of laboratory research tasks related to our projects on how animals coordinate their sensory systems to explore their environment and how they use incoming information to update their understanding of the world. The work will be performed under specific direction, and the research assistant may be asked to perform familiar tasks independently. The person we are looking for should be well organized and motivated, have strong communication skills and work well with a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Carrying out behavioral and molecular experiments and research according to protocols given by lab members. This will include basic procedures such as brain slicing using a vibratome or a cryostat, staining for proteins using immunohistochemical techniques, identifying RNAs via in situ analysis, tracing neural circuits through genetic labeling, etc.
• Handling and maintaining animal colonies, including colony tracking and genotyping.
• Recording neural activity from behaving mice. Find and test relevant protocols from primary literature.
• Analyzing data and presenting results at lab meetings and during one-on-one meetings with the PI and direct supervisor.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and inventory.
• The technician may also assist with broad lab support tasks as needed like ordering.

Basic Qualifications

College background or equivalent work experience. At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Previous laboratory experience 6 months to 1 year preferred.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting experiments.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Collaboration skills to work alongside others in the lab.
• Technical skills to set up equipment and use laboratory instruments.
• Passion for science and basic research.

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 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.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges

052

Department

Neurobiology

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

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. https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-statement-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.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5849620

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Harvard Medical School strives to cultivate an environment that promotes inclusiveness and collaboration among students, faculty and staff and to create new avenues for discussion that will advance our shared mission to improve the health of people throughout the world.