Research Assistant I - Lab

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Song laboratory studies the genetic basis of how the human brain evolved and how its evolution affects neurological diseases in modern humans. We are seeking a Research Assistant I who will, under supervision, performs a variety of basic and general laboratory research and clerical tasks, including tissue culture, mouse husbandry, molecular biology methods, and sequencing library preparation.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

1. Assists in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols;
2. Performs laboratory experiments utilizing standard techniques and equipment;
3. Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms;
4. Performs related laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies;
5. Processes orders or invoices, or undertake other clerical and simple accounting duties under the direction of administrative personnel.

Working Conditions:

• This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA.
• Work will be performed at a bench, in the tissue culture room, in the animal facility, or at a desk within the Song laboratory, as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Duties may involve standing for extended periods of time and sitting using near vision for reading and computer use for extended periods of time.
• May be required to lift, move and transport related research equipment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (required):

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a discipline related to molecular biology, genetics, genomics, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, or stem cell biology.

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):

• Demonstrated abilities in laboratory techniques and in basic experimental design and analysis are required.
• Appropriate communications skills are required.
• Applicants with prior experience with mouse husbandry, stem cell culture, molecular cloning, and genomic data analyses are highly encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• This position is a 1 year term appointmentfrom the date of hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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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.