Research Assistant III

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.

Additional Information

• 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.

Pay and benefits

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