The successful candidate for this position will contribute to an interdisciplinary research team that is working to understand the genetic and cellular basis of normal human brain function and of brain disorders including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Huntington's disease. Coordination and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams (that combine biology, statistics and data science) under nominal direction, is a key aspect of this research.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Contribute to experimental workflows for profiling the molecular contents and biological states of thousands of individual cells in human brain tissue, contributing to all aspects including planning experiments; creating DNA-barcoding reagents; extracting nuclei from human brain tissue; preparing molecular libraries; and high-throughput sequencing.
Optimize and execute molecular-biological reactions such as PCR and DNA extraction.
Independently troubleshoot and optimize techniques and technologies.
Maintain detailed experimental notes in the lab's electronic lab notebook.
Report experimental results in weekly lab meetings.
Contribute to other projects as needed.
Basic Qualifications
College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline. One to two+ years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience)
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or other quantitative area of science or engineering.
Extensive course work could in some cases be equivalent to a major.
At least one year of laboratory experience
Subjective qualifications:
Clear and effective in verbal and written communication
Able to critically read and discuss scientific research publications
Collaborate with a diverse group including laboratory scientists, project managers, professional staff, and academic trainees
Additional Information
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.
Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines. Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
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About Us
The McCarroll Lab (http://mccarrolllab.org) studies the human brain using a variety of approaches and technologies, many of which we invented in recent years and/or are further developing. These include approaches for analyzing RNA and proteins in thousands of individual cells simultaneously (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vL7ptq2Dcf0).
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)
#LI-KM2
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Boston
Job Code: 403112 Research Assistant II Lab
Job Function: Research
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 053
Department: Genetics
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Identity
Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
