Research Assistant I Lab

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 the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Hotamışlıgil Lab explores the fundamental molecular mechanisms that cause obesity- or aging-related disease clusters including diabetes, atherosclerosis, liver, and pulmonary disease, with the aim of developing novel therapeutic interventions to treat these diseases. The lab has made important contributions to the fields of “metabolism” and especially “immunometabolism", which studies the interactions between metabolic and immune responses as critical drivers of numerous chronic diseases. In the last decade, we have approached immunometabolism in two major paths: organelle homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Using biochemical, genetic, and physiological studies, we aim to find novel pathways which can be leveraged as preventive and therapeutic solutions to today’s greatest threats to global human health. The environment in our laboratory is collegial, supportive, and diverse. One of the greatest powers of science is its ability to unite people, where all people can work together for a common purpose. This is most evident in our lab where we come together to tackle challenging questions and dream to make a positive impact on human life. Our laboratory can be found at https://www.gsh.sph.harvard.edu.

We are looking for a Research Assistant (RA) who is excited about biomedical science and eager to grow as a scientist while making a meaningful contribution to our research. This RA will work with our molecular and cellular biology platforms as well as perform mouse physiology experiments. The work combines mouse models of metabolic diseases, primary and immortalized cell culture, and multi-omics approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics), with links to human disease samples and datasets. The RA will follow up experiments by organizing, processing, and reporting data. RAs are expected to be fully engaged in the intellectual activities of the lab and actively participate in lab meetings and discussions. We work as a team and look for strong and positive team spirit in all our members.        

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Perform cell culture, molecular cloning, and biochemical experiments (protein and RNA analysis, real-time extracellular flux analysis, immunostaining, confocal and electron microscopy)
• Conduct metabolic physiology studies in genetically engineered mouse models, including glucose and insulin tolerance tests, tissue harvesting, and, with training, surgical and advanced physiological procedures, such as in vivo metabolic flux analysis
• Maintain mouse colonies, including breeding and genotyping
• Process tissue, blood, and cell samples for chemical pathology and metabolite analysis
• Organize, analyze, and present data, with opportunities to learn computational analysis of omics datasets
• Participate in lab meetings, journal clubs, and data discussions
• Perform other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of two years from the date of hire with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: There may  be times when, due to technical aspects of an experiment, the RA will be required to work outside of normal working hours (such as on evenings, weekends, and holidays).

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

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• 1+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, or a related field
• Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, or animal work; basic familiarity with R, Python, or GraphPad Prism
• Hands-on laboratory experience through coursework, research, or prior employment;
• Experience in basic molecular and cellular biology techniques preferred
• Experience in performing animal studies preferred
• Scientific curiosity, high level of initiative and motivation
• Experience working independently and with a team preferred
• Excellent communication, organization, time management, and record-keeping skills.
• Strong organizational skills and experience in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Collaborative attitude

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: Two years from date of hire
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal

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 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.

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.