Research Core Scientist

Job Details

• School/Unit Harvard Medical School
• Department Systems Biology
• Job Function Research
• Location Boston
• Job Type Full-time
• Salary Grade 056
• FLSA Status Exempt
• Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
• Term Appointment Yes

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.

The Single Cell Core (SCC) at Harvard Medical School is seeking a Research Core Scientist to join our group. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of the SCC to become an expert in single cell RNA‑sequencing and spatial transcriptomics methods, to perform/execut e experiments while collaborating with researchers to extract maximum value from the data generated from rare and precious samples, to work closely with the SCC Director to optimize and validate new technologies and procedures from a variety of genomics workflows.

The candidate must be creative, analytical and detail‑oriented with excellent communication skills, and able to present their work to the group in lab meetings and regional scientific meetings. This is an opportunity to perform cutting‑edge techniques at the forefront of next‑generation sequencing and spatial transcriptomics methods, and to gain experience in project management and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently carries out complex single‑cell and spatial transcriptomics experiments using different technologies. Performs library preparation and quality control steps. Provides updates and scientific reports on the progress of the experiment to the user. Collaborates with the Director to identify sources of error and makes improvements to workflow as necessary.
• Collaborate with researchers to design and execute complex experiments with rare and precious samples. As a key HMS expert in single cell and spatial transcriptomics, participate in validating and optimizing experimental protocols, to establish streamlined custom workflows, and to provide insight and expert opinion during data analysis, interpretation and troubleshooting.
• Train faculty, trainees and other staff members in the instrumentation of single cell and spatial transcriptomics assays.
• Organize and present at multiple promotional and outreach activities, such as workshops, user group meetings etc.
• Oversee core maintenance task, such as purchasing supplies, equipment maintenance, database management. Perform other duties as required, such as billing and other administrative duties.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least one year of relevant work experience; OR
• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• MS/ PhD with 1-3 years of relevant experience (postdoctoral research counts) is strongly preferred.
• A clear understanding of basic molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA/RNA purification, PCR/RT‑PCR amplification), some experience in microscopy (e.g. light microscopy, immunofluorescence etc.), and cell or tissue biology (e.g. tissue culture, or histology, etc.) Preparation methods associated with tissue sectioning, including cryosectioning or the sectioning of formalin‑fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) samples highly desirable.
• The ability to work well in a team.
• Excellent organizational skill and attention to…