Research Assistant III

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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 Summary:

This Research Assistant works within the Ramanathan lab, alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and performs scientific experiments under minimal direction in the area of Stem Cell biology and human development. The majority of their time is spent coordinating multiple aspects of the labs research projects and carrying out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment while under minimal direction. There may be some coordination with labs external to Harvard to arrange transfer of lab samples as needed but travel is not required for this position. This employee may conduct some training of new lab members in scientific techniques standardized in the lab but does not directly oversee them or approve time.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research project and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment

• Manufactures cortical tissue from multiple cell lines, specifically IPS line, embryonic stem cell line, and a GMP line
• Makes genetic modifications, passaging and maintaining each of the lines (both the parental and the modified fluorescent reporter lines in each of the background),
• Assisting lab members in mouse work, breeding, and surgeries
• Collaborates with other lab members on experimental design, setting up protocols and developing new laboratory techniques
• Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms 
• May train and oversee the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures 
• Assists with laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and/or purchasing equipment and supplies, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required 

Working Conditions:

• Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting on campus in Cambridge, MA.
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials, human cell culture work. 

Physical Requirements:

• May be required to lift, move and transport related research equipment.

Basic Qualifications (required):

• College or advanced degree preferably in a related discipline; directly related work experience may substitute.

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):

• 3+ years of experience in a biological research setting, including human stem cell work including extensive undergraduate lab research experience.
• Either experience maintaining, passaging, expanding, or differentiating stem cell lines, or experience with mouse work (maintenance, breeding, surgeries)
• Basic molecular biology experience, including PCR/qPCR, cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, CRISPR, transfection, or viral transduction.
• Experience with immunostaining, flow cytometry, and related molecular assays.
• Experience optimizing protocols and troubleshooting cell-based experiments.

• This position is a 1 year term appointment from the date of hire, with renewal contingent upon funding and performance. 
• 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:

• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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 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. 

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.