Research Assistant I Lab

About the role

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.

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.
• #LI-KM2

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.

Pay and benefits

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