Research Assistant II – Neurodegenerative Disease Biomarkers

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 the Wyss Institute at Harvard University?

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges.

Job Description

About you: You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability.

About the role: We are looking for a motivated, enthusiastic Research Assistant II to join our team. You will help develop new diagnostic tests for neurodegenerative disorders, such as ALS and Alzheimer’s disease, using cutting edge, ultra-sensitive technologies.

What you'll do:

• With supervision from senior staff, help design and execute experiments towards the development of new diagnostic technologies as well as protein and nucleic acid biomarkers assays for neurodegenerative diseases.
• With oversight from senior staff, order supplies and perform support and lab maintenance activities
• With guidance from senior staff, present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute.

Qualifications

What you'll need: College background in biological science or related field and one or more years of lab experience in molecular biology or biochemistry. Higher education may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or related field is strongly preferred.
• Two or more years of research experience is preferred.
• Experience with protein biochemistry (e.g., ELISA, Western blot, immunoisolation) and nucleic acid techniques (e.g. FISH, real-time PCR) is advantageous but not required.
• Experience with imaging techniques (e.g. fluorescence microscopy) and microfluidics is advantageous but not required.

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