Research Assistant III- Diagnostics Accelerator

Posting date: January 09, 2026

External Reference: 002026SR

Job Details

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Boston
• School/Unit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University
• Salary Grade: 054
• Job Function: Research
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Term Appointment: Yes
• 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 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. For more information discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

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. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial-minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations, and administrative professionals. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Assistant III to join our Diagnostics Accelerator initiative. You will work with a multidisciplinary team on developing multi-omic technologies for investigating pathological states from human biofluids. You will contribute to the development of novel methods that will be used across different diseases to develop new types of liquid biopsy tests. Although you will work within a team and receive significant experimental and computational training, you will also have significant opportunities for scientific independence, and previous RAs working with us have contributed to multiple publications and presented their work at international conferences.

What you’ll do:

• Develop expertise in new and established techniques in mass spectrometry, NGS, and multi-omics technologies for profiling of biomarkers from human biofluids and tissues in different disease states.
• Work in collaboration with senior lab members to establish automation using liquid handling instruments such as Tecan, Opentron, and Eppendorf
• Provide training and guidance to other lab members on experimental technique
• Perform lab maintenance such as maintaining and/or purchasing equipment and ordering supplies, as required. Conduct a comprehensive equipment inspection annually to address any potential issues
• Present data at internal Wyss meetings with supervision from senior lab members

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or related field is required. Two or more years of research experience in molecular biology or biochemistry is required.

Desirable skills:

• Full time, post-university research experience is strongly preferred, however exceptional candidates with two or more years of undergraduate research experience are encouraged to apply.
• Experience with one or more of the following is advantageous: programming of liquid handling robots, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, NGS, bioinformatics using Python or R.

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, & Education.

Other Information:

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. 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.