Research Assistant II

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.

The McCarroll Lab analyzes the human brain at molecular and cellular levels, using a variety of approaches we invented in recent years and/or are further developing, many based on analyzing RNA and proteins in thousands of individual cells simultaneously. Our goal is to uncover and understand the molecular and cellular basis of normal brain function and of brain disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and DNA‑repeat disorders such as Huntington’s disease.

The successful candidate for this position will contribute to an interdisciplinary research team that is working to understand the genetic and cellular basis of normal human brain function and of brain disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Huntington’s disease. Coordination and collaboration within interdisciplinary research teams – combining experimental biology, statistics and data science – is a key aspect of this research.

The incumbent works under general supervision, exercising independent judgment within established protocols and guidelines, prioritizing daily activities, organizing and executing experimental work independently, analyzing outcomes, troubleshooting routine issues and consulting the manager for complex or novel problems.

• Contribute to experimental workflows for profiling the molecular contents and biological states of thousands of individual cells in human brain tissue, including planning experiments, creating DNA‑barcoding reagents, extracting nuclei, preparing molecular libraries, and high‑throughput sequencing.
• Optimize and execute molecular‑biological reactions such as PCR and DNA extraction.
• Independently troubleshoot and optimize techniques and technologies.
• Maintain detailed experimental notes in the lab’s electronic lab notebook.
• Report experimental results in weekly lab meetings.
• Contribute to other projects as needed.

• Works in a molecular biology research laboratory.
• Regular use of standard laboratory equipment and reagents.
• Requires adherence to institutional safety procedures and use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Position involves both bench research and data analysis.

• Ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods; perform manual tasks including pipetting and sample handling; use a computer for extended periods; occasionally lift and transport laboratory supplies weighing up to 25 pounds; and perform tasks requiring fine motor coordination and visual attention to detail.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• One to two+ years related work experience, especially in laboratory context (relevant coursework may count toward experience).

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or other quantitative area of science or engineering.
• Extensive coursework could, in some cases, be equivalent to a major.
• At least one year of laboratory experience.

Subjective

Qualifications:

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to critically read and discuss scientific research publications.
• Collaboration with a diverse group including laboratory scientists, project managers,…