Research Assistant I Lab

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

Exciting opportunity in cancer research lab!

The Brugge lab studies breast and ovarian cancer, striving to discover the mechanisms behind disease initiation, progression and drug resistance. We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious research assistant to join our team. In this position, you will work under the direct supervision of a postdoctoral fellow to study breast cancer initiation and progression using a newly developed mouse model of breast cancer together with primary patient samples. You will additionally learn a cutting-edge technique called cyclic immunofluorescence (CyCIF), which allows spatial resolution of different cell states within a tissue in order to understand how tumors are organized and how different cell types interact. The expectation is that these efforts will lead to high-impact peer-reviewed publications. Former research assistants from our lab have been accepted to graduate programs, including MD and/or PhD programs, as well as industry positions.

Responsibilities will be:

• Mouse husbandry, genotyping, dissection.
• Molecular biology, e.g. Western blotting, cloning.
• Cyclic immunofluorescence and antibody validation.
• Immunofluorescence staining of tissues, microscopy, image analysis.
• Contribute to general lab tasks.
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of experiments.

Working Conditions:

• Required to work with hazardous materials under approved safety protocols and to work with and handle animals. 

Physical Requirements:

• May have to lift or move heavy lab equipment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least 1-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Minimum 1 year experience working in a lab strongly preferred;
• Experience working with mouse handling preferred;
• Applicant should be motivated, demonstrate an excellent work ethic;
• Highly organized with good time management skills;
• Follow protocols with attention to detail and produce high-quality work;
• Must be able to work as a team member and possess excellent communication skills;
• Ability to make sound judgements and to problem solve;
• Highly interested in candidates willing to make a minimum 2-year commitment, dependent on funding and work performance.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: 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: 40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 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 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.