Position Description

The Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT are hiring a Research Assistant, to work in the laboratories of Professor Michael Greenberg (HMS) and Professor Guoping Feng (MIT). Professors Greenberg and Feng are leading a collaborative effort to develop animal models to study the role of neuronal activity in human brain evolution.

The Research Assistant will primarily be responsible for:

• Collecting behavioral, cognitive, physiological, and neural data from animals alongside researchers
• Organizing and annotating the collected data
• Manually annotating datasets to assist in training neural networks used for analysis
• Writing and updating animal protocols with the help of the veterinary staff
• Carrying out molecular biology work related to the characterization of the animals
• Maintain and genotype animal models, perform perfusions, tissue dissection, tissue sectioning, RNA in-situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry
• Use a range of molecular biology methods including RT-PCR, qPCR, molecular cloning, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing library preparation, and quality control
• Maintain and transfect cell lines used for cell-based assays
• Perform stereotactic brain surgeries to deliver viruses for manipulation or knock-out of genes of interest and further behavioral characterization
• Participation in regular meetings with team members to discuss research progress and strategies

Our laboratory has an excellent track record in training young scientists. This position is ideal for highly organized, motivated, and hard-working individuals seeking to launch their career as future scientists. The Technical Associate will have the opportunity to design experiments and write code to analyze data if interested. The individual will also be responsible for coordinating schedules between researchers, veterinarians, and staff. The individual will participate in the care of animals, general experimental support, and data organization. The successful candidate should have a flexible schedule, as this job will sometimes require working on weekends. Knowledge and experience working with animals is desirable.

Basic Qualifications

College background or equivalent work experience in a related discipline. 1+ years of experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• A bachelor’s degree in animal sciences, biology, neuroscience, computer science, or a related field.
• Experience in working with animals preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates that can commit for two years.
• Prior research experience is desirable, though not essential.
• At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).
• Demonstrated abilities in basic laboratory techniques helpful, but not required.
• Exposure to applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, may be required.
• Appropriate communications skills required.
• May be required to lift, move and transport related laboratory equipment.
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.
• While prior laboratory experience is helpful, most important is a candidate with curiosity, work ethic, organization, the ability to learn new techniques, and an excellent track record in college.
• We expect to teach the biochemical, molecular biology, and neuroscience approaches that will be used.
• This is an ideal position for a recent college graduate interested in preparing for graduate or medical school.
• Members from groups underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston. 

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities!

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values

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.