Research Assistant II

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.

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.

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. 

• 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.  

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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.