Staff Scientist

Posting date: March 20, 2026

Reference: 002497SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Salary Grade: 056
• Job Function: Research
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: Yes
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

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 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:

In the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University, we research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens. The Ramanathan Lab is seeking a Staff Scientist who will plan, design, and conduct scientific research investigating the consequence of tissue and cell transplantation into the mouse brain. The Staff Scientist will use a combination of techniques including stereotactic surgery and transplantation of in vitro derived cells and tissues into the mouse brain to test the ability for integration. This is a one-year term position contingent on grant funding. While the employee performs many tasks independently, their scope is entirely within the Ramanathan lab.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Performs stereotactic surgery and transplantation of cells into the mouse brain
• Performs mouse colony and cell culture maintenance
• Collaborates with other lab members on experimental design, setting up protocols and developing new laboratory techniques
• Provides training to researchers, faculty, and students to advance their knowledge of the research and best practices
• Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms
• Prepares and/or collaborates on articles for submission to scientific journals and publications
• Assists in preparing proposals for funding
• Coordinates multiple aspects of research project and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment
• Identifies and troubleshoot any issues with research protocols or equipment
• Participates in group meetings and discussions, providing subject matter expertise to the design and execution of research
• Assists with monitoring of laboratory safety compliance and ensuring compliance with University policies, procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations

Working Conditions:

• Works primarily in the lab (Biological) in the Northwest building of Harvard University

Physical Requirements:

• May be required to lift, move and transport related research equipment.
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Molecular or cellular biology or related field required
• 5+ years working in a biological research setting is required

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience with data analysis software including MATLAB, Python, and ImageJ
• Experience with neural circuitry
• Experience handling rodents
• Experience with rodent stereotaxic surgery
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Capable of organized, goal motivated output
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Additional Information

• This position is a 1 year term appointment from the date of hire
• Standard Hours: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

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 056. 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.