Research Assistant III Lab in Boston MA

Summary

Research Assistant III Lab

Harvard University Posted on 2022-11-23

Salary	Not mentioned
Location	Boston, MA
Type	Full-time

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Job Description

Job Summary

The Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID) focuses on the biological, immunological, epidemiological and ecological aspects of viral, bacterial and protozoan diseases of animals and humans, including the vectors that transmit infectious agents.

Within IID, a new initiative, the Observatory, is being created to advance research at the intersection of systems serology, infectious disease, and climate change. The pilot studies for the Observatory are focused on vector-borne diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and eukarya, that are predicted to increase in frequency, scope, and threat due to global environmental change.

Position Description

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant who is excited about working in an interdisciplinary team environment. Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of the Observatory, we are looking for a scientist who has experience in a wide variety of laboratory techniques, and is eager to work with team members to expand their experimental repertoire.

Duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performing research, creating and contributing to protocols, and designing experiments with minimal supervision.
• Executing microbiology techniques relevant to phage display, such as cloning, bacterial culture, plaque assays, and immunoprecipitation.
• Assisting with the design, synthesis, and sequencing of large oligonucleotide libraries for phage display.
• Creating pipelines for automated high-throughput sample processing using robotic equipment
• Administrative duties, such as ordering supplies, managing equipment, helping to onboard new lab members, managing the shipping/receiving of samples, coordinating with vendors, assisting with the creation of project budgets.
• Managing samples and data with precision, and performing computational analysis to summarize biological data.
• Train and oversee the others » lab techniques and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

In addition to the duties above, the candidate will be working in a unique team that is heavily engaged in cross-lab, cross-institution, and international collaborations, and as such will interact with a large variety of other staff and researchers including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior scientists. A positive attitude and enthusiasm for working with and learning from others is a must.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of December 31, 2023 of hire with the possibility of extension. Finalist wills be required to pass a health services screening.

PLEASE NOTE: Some evening and weekend work may be necessary. This position is primarily on-campus and this position will be based in Boston, MA. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

Basic Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor »s Degree in Biological Sciences or related field
• 4+ experience in a lab setting
• Previous experience with phage display libraries
• Previous experience with Illumina sequencing and analysis is a plus
• Passion for research
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Detail oriented, highly organized, work well independently and/or with small or large group

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Additional Information

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee »s start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events – and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage.

Job Function

Research

Location

USA – MA – Boston

Job Code

403116 Research Assistant III Lab

Sub-Unit

–

Department

Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

054

Union

55 – Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

31-Dec-2023

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

EEO 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.

Company description:

For many people, the most compelling aspect of working at Harvard is the sense of mission and community that permeates every school, department, program, and organization on campus. It’s a vibrant crucible of intellectual activity, research, knowledge creation, learning, and teaching. Here, results matter and creativity flourishes. We’re united by a culture that strives for excellence, but also supports us in our work.