Research Assistant Lab

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.

Located in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, Harvard Medical School brings together world‑renowned scientists dedicated to advancing fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine. The Harper lab’s focus is on organelle quality control and understanding how protein degradation (via ubiquitin‑proteasome system and autophagy) regulates proteome balance. The Harper lab harnesses biochemistry, genetics, proteomics, flow cytometry, and microscopy to uncover pathways and proteins involved in maintaining organelle homeostasis, and how these pathways affect cell physiology (for example in cultured neurons to study neurodegeneration).

Additional information about the laboratory can be found at https://harper.hms.harvard.edu. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain broad experience in modern experimental biology within a collaborative and highly interdisciplinary research environment. Approximately half of the position will involve supporting laboratory operations, with the remaining time devoted to research projects.

The Harper Lab at Harvard Medical School is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support research in cell biology and protein quality control. This position is ideal for recent college graduates interested in gaining intensive hands‑on research experience before pursuing graduate or medical school. This position will work closely with postdoctoral fellows and the Principal Investigator on cutting‑edge projects while developing technical expertise in molecular biology, cell biology, microscopy, proteomics, and quantitative experimental approaches.

The Research Assistant will support the Harper Lab's research program by performing experiments and helping maintain day‑to‑day laboratory operations. Responsibilities include assisting with cell culture, molecular biology, microscopy, biochemical experiments, and general laboratory organization.

As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter describing your research interests and why you are interested in joining the Harper Lab to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least one‑year related lab experience (relevant coursework may count towards experience).

Additional

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline preferred; equivalent directly related research experience may substitute where appropriate.
• The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about scientific research, highly organized, and eager to learn new techniques.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA cloning, and routine…