Research Assistant I

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 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.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible full-time Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Bernardo Sabatini at Harvard Medical School. The Sabatini Lab seeks to understand the mechanisms of synaptic and circuit plasticity that govern learning and development (More information on the lab can be found on their website: https://sabatini.hms.harvard.edu/). We employ a range of approaches including ex vivo and in vivo electrophysiology, optogenetics, imaging and behavior to delineate how changes in neural circuits evolve over the course learning and/or lifespan.

In this role, you will work under the supervision of a postdoctoral fellow investigating the neural mechanisms for reward-driven behavior over aging with a particular focus on the period of development known as adolescence. Furthermore, we will employ reinforcement learning models and machine learning algorithms to uncover how changes in neural activity drive changes in decision-making. Under direction and supervision of the PI, the candidate will assist with stereotaxic surgeries, awake-behavior in head-restrained and freely moving mice, large-scale electrophysiological experiments, and histology. The best candidates will be comfortable working both in a team setting and independently and have an organized, methodical approach to their work.

Duties will include:

• Handle and train mice on decision making tasks;
• stereotaxic surgeries for precise delivery of viral vectors;
• histology and imaging;
• assist with in vivo imaging of neuronal activity;
• dissection of neural tissue;
• immunohistochemistry, histology, and microscopy on fixed brain tissue;
• mouse colony maintenance and husbandry;
• general lab support, to include maintenance of general supplies for the laboratory;
• data curation and analysis,
• and helping to build analysis pipelines for physiology and behavioral data.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related field.
• At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in any STEM-related fields (Ex. Neuroscience, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry).
• Experience with animal husbandry and knowledge of basic genetics.
• Proficiency with database software such as Microsoft Office (Excel, etc).
• Experience with data analysis and programming in MATLAB and/or Python is greatly preferred.
• Previous experience with animal behavior will be helpful but is not required.
• Excellent communication, organization, and record keeping skills.
• Must be a team player able to interact effectively with a large group and work independently.
• Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed.
• Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.

Additional Information

• Term: This is a one-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 hrs. 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.

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 052. 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.