Research Assistant II
Harvard University
- Boston, MA
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.