Research Assistant I

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

The Greenberg lab at Harvard Medical School examines how neuronal activity shapes the maturation and plasticity of the nervous system. Sensory experience shapes the development of neural circuits during early-life windows of heightened plasticity, known as critical periods. While the key factors that drive critical period opening have been extensively characterized, the specific cues that restrain developmental plasticity as animals mature are less clear. For this project, we will characterize a new molecular pathway discovered in our laboratory by which circulating glucocorticoids act on glial cells in the brain to close critical periods of plasticity. We will further examine how early-life stress, which elevates glucocorticoid levels and increases susceptibility to many neuropsychiatric diseases, alters the timing of developmental plasticity to disrupt cognition, memory, and behavior. Collectively, this project will help us better understand the fundamental mechanisms gating neuronal plasticity, which may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for treating human disorders.

We are looking to hire a curious, motivated, highly organized research assistant seeking experience in cutting-edge neuroscience and genomics techniques and eager to discover how the endocrine system shapes brain development. During this project, you will gain experience in a wide range of fundamental neuroscience and molecular approaches, such as stereotactic surgery, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, behavior, cloning, qPCR, and Western blotting, as well as advanced genomics approaches, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, and single-nucleus RNA-seq. We will also use command-line tools and R to process and analyze large genomic datasets. You will be directly mentored by a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Bruno Gegenhuber, providing exposure and advice for the research career track. In addition to their mentor, the fellow will also meet regularly with Professor Michael Greenberg and benefit from the rich environment of postdocs, graduate students and other scientists in the Greenberg Lab. This position is ideally suited for individuals seeking to launch a career in scientific research.

Working Conditions:

Laboratory setting - may be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.

Physical Requirements:

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

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience working with mice or human cell culture models preferred. 
• Preference will be given to candidates that can commit for two years. 
• Prior research experience is desirable. 
• Demonstrated abilities in laboratory techniques helpful, especially cloning, PCR, library preparation, next generation sequencing, flow cytometry, imaging, tissue culture, and protein purification, although we expect to teach all of these while executing projects. 
• Exposure to applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, may be required. 
• Appropriate communications skills required.  
• While prior laboratory experience is helpful, most important is a candidate with curiosity, work ethic, motivation to make discoveries, clear organization and notetaking, the ability to learn new techniques, and an excellent track record in college. 
• We expect to teach the genomics, molecular biology, and neuroscience approaches that will be used. 
• This is an ideal position for a recent college graduate interested in preparing for graduate school; we have a strong track record in preparing research assistants to matriculate in competitive PhD programs and support them during the application process. 
• Members from groups underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

• Term: 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: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 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.

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.