Research Assistant Lab

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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.

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.

The Hotamışlıgil Lab explores the fundamental molecular mechanisms that cause obesity‑ or aging‑related disease clusters including diabetes, liver and pulmonary disease, and atherosclerosis 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”, studying 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 and preventive, therapeutic solutions to today’s greatest threats to global human health. The environment in our laboratory is collegial, supportive, and diverse.

We are looking for a Research Assistant (RA) who is enthusiastic and excited about biomedical science and the work we do in our lab, and who wants to make a strong scientific contribution to our research. This Research Assistant will work with molecules, cells, and molecular biology platforms as well as perform physiology experiments in genetically engineered mouse models, including studies implementing advanced physiological instrumentation and surgeries.

It is an opportunity to learn advanced techniques in molecular biology, protein and RNA purification and analysis, mammalian tissue culture, biochemical assays, immunostaining, and microscopy. 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.

• Performing cell culture and molecular biology experiments.
• Performing mouse metabolic physiology experiments.
• Maintaining mouse colonies, including breeding and genotyping.
• Processing tissue, blood, and cell culture samples for protein, RNA, and metabolite analysis.
• Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data.
• Participation and intellectual contribution to lab meetings, journal clubs, and data discussions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PLEASE NOTE:

The finalist for this position will be required to pass an occupational health screen. 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).

• Lifting 25 pounds, climbing a three‑step ladder, and handling live mice.

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

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience; preferably in biological sciences.
• Experience in basic molecular and cellular biology techniques required.
• Scientific curiosity, high level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team…