"Research Assistant II - Microbiology and in vivo models"

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated Research Assistant II to contribute to a multidisciplinary portfolio of research projects involving procedures of health monitoring, injections, blood sampling, survival surgery, post-operative care, and behavioral studies relating to projects on the ImmunoMaterials Platform.

Reporting to Staff Scientists on the ImmunoMaterials Platform at the Wyss Institute, you will be responsible for overseeing study animals, daily rounds, and observations to check animal health status; adherence to protocols and techniques at the animal facility; performing and documenting experimental observations in rodent species; and sample processing at the conclusion of the studies. You will also be responsible for maintaining pathogen cultures for in vitro and in vivo experiments. You will run screening assays that are in vitro based, including but not limited to: microbiology, ELISA, enzymatic assays, imaging, and flow cytometry.

What you'll do:

• Execute animal models under supervision of senior staff; provide technical support for the development and implementation of animal models and experimental procedures
• Under supervision of senior staff, process samples at the conclusion of studies (microbiology, ELISA, biomarker identification, tissue processing) and perform data analysis
• Follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate records and documentation to comply with regulatory requirements
• Assist in managing the laboratory space by maintaining necessary supplies and equipment and interfacing with veterinary staff and research scientists
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams.

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• College background in Biological Life Science or related area, or equivalent work experience in animal care is required.
• One or more years of hands-on experience with mouse models, surgical techniques or related experience is required. Advanced education may count toward years of experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor's degree preferred. Experience with behavioral studies is strongly preferred.
• Experience handling rodents and familiarity with IACUC protocol operations is required.
• Must be flexible to working outside normal business hours routinely when needed.
• Some flexible evening or weekend hours required.
• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently or with minimum supervision on multiple projects across various therapeutic areas are required.
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group is essential.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and able to take initiative. Good communication skills are important.
• Must be familiar with or willing to learn normal rodent behavior and able to recognize clinical signs of illness.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 15-30 pounds, and push and pull heavy equipment.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7-hour shift and be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts, and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal
• 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, Criminal, and Occupational Health Screening.
• Other Information: Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation

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