Research Assistant III

Overview

School/Unit Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Job Function Research

Location Cambridge

Job Type Full-time

Salary Grade 054

FLSA Status Non-exempt

Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Term Appointment Yes

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.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth

C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary
:

This Research Assistant works within the Ramanathan lab, alongside graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and performs scientific experiments under minimal direction in the area of Stem Cell biology and human development. The majority of time is spent coordinating multiple aspects of the lab s research projects and carrying out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment while under minimal direction.

There may be coordination with labs external to Harvard to arrange transfer of lab samples as needed, but travel is not required for this position. This employee may conduct some training of new lab members in scientific techniques standardized in the lab but does not directly oversee them or approve time.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Coordinates multiple aspects of research project and carries out laboratory experiments utilizing specific laboratory techniques and equipment
• Manufactures cortical tissue from multiple cell lines, specifically IPS line, embryonic stem cell line, and a GMP line
• Makes genetic modifications, passaging and maintaining each of the lines (both the parental and the modified fluorescent reporter lines in each of the background)
• Cell printing, optimizing differentiation protocols optimized for each line, performing and generating tissue in each case, preparing for shipment to team members working on monkeys
• Prepares samples for single cell transcriptomics, validating using antibody staining
• Sets up shakers in incubators, monitor differentiation, and set up a pipeline
• Collaborates with other lab members on experimental design, setting up protocols and developing new laboratory techniques
• Processes, organizes, summarizes, and analyzes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms
• May train and oversee the work of others in laboratory techniques and procedures
• Assists with laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and/or purchasing equipment and supplies, working with vendors and undertaking special projects as required

Working Conditions

• Work is typically performed in a laboratory setting on campus in Cambridge, MA.
• May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials, human cell culture work.

Physical Requirements

• May be required to lift, move and transport related research equipment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• College or advanced degree preferably in a related discipline; directly related work experience may substitute.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• 5+ years working in a biological research setting, with experience with human stem cell work is preferred.

Additional Information

• This position is a 1 year term appointment from the date of hire
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening:
  Identity, Education

Other Information

• All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

PI

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts.

Additional details will be discussed during the…