Research Assistant I

Posting date: May 05, 2026

002727SR

1. Job Type: Full-time
2. Location: Boston
3. School/Unit: Harvard Medical School
4. Department: Immunology
5. Salary Grade: 052
6. Job Function: Research
7. FLSA Status: Non-exempt
8. Term Appointment: Yes
9. Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

The Sharpe laboratory at Harvard Medical School seeks a highly motivated individual to support research in tumor and autoimmune immunology. Under the supervision of the Lab Manager and/or senior trainees, this individual will perform a wide range of laboratory techniques, working closely with fellows and students to analyze the functions of immunoregulatory pathways. The job includes immunologic techniques (immune cell isolation; assays of stromal, myeloid, and T cell function; cytokine ELISA assays; multiparameter flow cytometry), molecular biology procedures (PCR, RNA and/or DNA preparation from tissues), and RNASeq (both bulk and single cell protocols). Animal work is required (measuring tumors, measuring clinical symptoms in autoimmune models, weighing mice, survival bleeding, i.p. and s.c. injection, generating chimeras) along with mouse husbandry (setting up breeders, genotyping progeny). This individual may handle primary human samples (tissue dissociation, cellular isolation, immunological assays). Research Assistant will analyze and summarize data, organize data into lab notebooks, and report experimental results weekly. This individual may troubleshoot and optimize techniques based on feedback from their supervisor. This individual will also assist with lab organization, maintenance of lab equipment, and lab safety activities.

Working Conditions/ Physical Requirements:

• Research lab bench work, computer work.
• Willingness to work with mice.
• Data analysis.

Qualifications

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:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated abilities in molecular biology techniques, cell culture, and/or animals preferred, but not required.
• Must possess strong oral and written communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must possess high level of initiative and investment in the success of research projects.
• Ability to maintain careful records of experiments; detail-oriented; meticulous work habits; possess strong organizational, analytical and communication skills; can take direction and work well as part of a team.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a 2- year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.