Research Assistant

Research Assistant Position

The Oyler-Yaniv and Lahav labs in Harvard Medical School's Department of Systems Biology are looking for an intellectually engaged and highly motivated research assistant to support work on host-virus interactions and DNA damage responses.

Both the Oyler-Yaniv and Lahav labs use quantitative, single-cell approaches to understand how cells make "decisions" that balance protection of the organism with avoidance of unnecessary damage. The Oyler-Yaniv lab focuses on host–virus interactions and the mechanisms that enable effective immune responses while limiting bystander tissue injury, while the Lahav lab studies how cells respond to DNA damage in ways that prevent cancer development without inappropriately eliminating cells with minor damage.

A successful candidate will directly help to push these efforts by performing experiments with oversight from the labs' PIs. Experiments will include, but are not limited to, cell culture and sterile technique, basic molecular biology, functional immune assays, ELISA, fluorescent time-lapse microscopy, and immunofluorescence. RAs will also be responsible for maintaining reagent stocks and inventories and for compiling basic experimental protocols for use in the lab.

Additionally, the candidate will also be responsible for mouse colony maintenance, genotyping, tissue harvest, and imaging.

The individual will participate in group meetings and collaborate in writing papers and reports to funding agencies. They will attend seminar series within HMS and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the labs and Harvard Medical School. The candidate should enjoy working in close collaboration with lab members and other members of the Systems Biology department.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience in biological sciences or related quantitative field.
• At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree with coursework and laboratory experience in biology, cell and molecular biology, or related disciplines preferred.
• Must have strong communication skills and eagerness to learn. Must have good organizational skills and be detail oriented.

This is a 1-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 40 hours per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Identity, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation will be conducted as part of the pre-employment screening.

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

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.