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Research Assistant II

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Research Assistant II

Research Assistant II

2026-07-05

Location

Boston

Harvard Medical School

Type

Full-time (1-year term)

Salary

Salary Grade 053

Required Qualifications

College background in biological sciences or quantitative field
1-2+ years experience
Tissue culture experiments
Advanced microscopy

Research Areas

Cell homeostasis (size, number, composition)
Genetic constructs
Tissue culture
Microscopy
Genetic perturbations
Omics technology
Bacterial species
Cell lines
Mice
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Research Assistant II

Research Assistant II

Posting date: May 05, 2026

002731SR

1. Job Type Full-time
2. Location Boston
3. School/Unit Harvard Medical School
4. Department Systems Biology
5. Salary Grade 053
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 Basan Lab in the Systems Biology Department at Harvard Medical School seeks an energetic, enthusiastic, and multi-talented individual to work as a Research Assistant II. A strong work ethic and the willingness to learn new skills and to work in a team are essential. The willingness to learn how to work with different experimental systems, including adenovirus, lentivirus, cell lines and animals is required. Tasks will include making genetic constructs, tissue culture, tissue dissection and microscopy, as well as screens. Previous experience with any of the techniques mentioned above is a plus, but it is not required. We consider strong motivation, as well as a willingness to learn and also to work in a team as more important. In general, we are looking for creative, open-minded individuals, interested in venturing off the beaten track and possessing the determination to bring their ideas to fruition. Fundamental biological questions that we are interested in include how cells achieve homeostasis of cell size, cell number and cellular composition. In our lab, we address these challenges using a variety of experimental systems, including various bacterial species, cell lines, and mice. Our approach relies on the close coordination and mutual feedback between experimental and theoretical efforts and we combine careful characterization of physiology with genetic perturbations, omics technology and theoretical models. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in all of these different exciting lines of research and to gain hands-on experience with diverse experimental approaches.

The individual will participate in group meetings and collaborate in writing papers and reports to funding agencies. They will attend seminar series within HMS and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the lab and Harvard Medical School. The candidate should enjoy working in close collaboration with lab members and other members of Systems Biology.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • College background in biological sciences or related quantitative field and 1-2+ of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Tissue culture experiments involving advanced microscopy.

Additional Information

  • Term: This is a 1-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.

#LI-KM2

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 053. 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What are the basic qualifications for Research Assistant II at Harvard Medical School?

The position requires a college background in biological sciences or a related quantitative field, plus 1-2+ years of experience. Additional skills like tissue culture experiments involving advanced microscopy are preferred. No prior experience with all techniques is mandatory; strong motivation and teamwork are prioritized. See research assistant jobs guide for career tips.

🚫Does this Research Assistant II role offer visa sponsorship?

No, Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must have the right to work in the US. Review higher ed jobs for similar US-based opportunities.

🔬What are the main responsibilities in the Basan Lab?

Tasks include making genetic constructs, tissue culture, tissue dissection, microscopy, and screens using systems like adenovirus, lentivirus, cell lines, and animals. You'll contribute to systems biology research on cell homeostasis, participate in group meetings, collaborate on papers, and engage in HMS seminars. Explore research jobs for more lab roles.

💰What is the salary and benefits for this position?

Salary Grade 053; view ranges at Harvard's Salary Ranges. Benefits include generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance from day one, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, and professional development. Details at Harvard's benefits page.

Is this a term position and what is the work schedule?

Yes, it's a 1-year term appointment from hire date, with possible extension based on performance and funding. Schedule: 35 hours/week, Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, fully on-site at Harvard location. Track applications via Careers@Harvard portal.

🧬What research areas will I work on in Systems Biology?

Focus on fundamental biological questions like cell size, number, and composition homeostasis using bacterial species, cell lines, and mice. Involves experimental-theoretical coordination, omics technology, and genetic perturbations. Check research assistant career landscape.
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