Research Technician , DNA

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.

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.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior scientists, the Research Technician I will support research focused on the analysis of ancient human DNA. The technician will work as part of a highly collaborative team of up to four technicians, rotating through a shared set of laboratory activities and receiving hands‑on training from senior laboratory staff and the Lab Director.

The position involves both clean‑room and non‑clean‑room work and includes preparation of ancient human skeletal samples, DNA extraction, library preparation, enrichment, sequencing preparation, and downstream data quality control. The technician will participate fully in laboratory meetings and contribute as an equal member of the research team.

This position is well suited for candidates who have recently completed a bachelor’s degree and have a strong interest in ancient DNA, human evolution, and anthropology. It offers a unique opportunity to be trained in specialized laboratory techniques in a dynamic and collaborative research environment.

• Perform sample preparation in a dedicated clean‑room environment, including preparation of powder from human skeletal remains for DNA extraction.
• Extract DNA and prepare next‑generation sequencing libraries in a clean‑room environment following established protocols.
• Amplify DNA, perform library cleanup, and enrich sequencing libraries.
• Prepare enriched libraries for sequencing and perform basic data quality control and analysis.
• Operate and assist with liquid handling robotic systems.
• Maintain meticulous experimental records in laboratory notebooks and electronic databases.
• Decontaminate equipment and work surfaces after each experiment and perform routine cleaning and maintenance of clean rooms and laboratory equipment.
• Participate in frequent discussions with laboratory colleagues working on ancient DNA projects.
• Perform occasional sample preparation outside of the clean‑room environment (for example, in museum or collection settings).
• Prepare, order, and maintain inventories of laboratory consumables and supplies.
• Document, compile, and organize experimental results and data.
• Provide regular updates to supervisors through written and oral reports.
• Read and stay current with relevant scientific literature.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and work effectively as a member of a team of research technicians with shared and rotating responsibilities.
• Training and Supervision:
  Comprehensive training will be provided by senior laboratory staff, other research technicians, and the Lab Director.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least 1 year of related work experience (relevant coursework may count toward experience).

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Strong understanding of molecular biology principles.
• Excellent fine motor skills.
• Meticulous work habits – to include keeping a detailed and accurate lab notebook.
• Ability to apply critical thinking to experiments and outcomes.
• Strong ability to multitask.
• Excellent written, documentation, and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with genomics (library preparation and sequencing) and sterile techniques.
• Pr…