Research Assistant III - Microbiology and In Vivo Models

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 Wyss Institute at Harvard University?

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges.

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About you:

You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial-minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations, and administrative professionals.

You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated Research Assistant III to contribute to a multidisciplinary portfolio of research projects involving procedures of health monitoring, injections, blood sampling, survival surgery, post-operative care, and behavioral studies relating to projects on the Immuno Materials Platform. Reporting to Staff Scientists on the Immuno Materials Platform at the Wyss Institute, you will be responsible for overseeing study animals, daily rounds, and observations to check animal health status;

adherence to protocols and techniques at the animal facility; performing and documenting experimental observations in rodent species; and sample processing at the conclusion of the studies. You will also be responsible for maintaining cell and pathogen cultures for in vitro and in vivo experiments. You will run screening assays that are in vitro based, including but not limited to: microbiology, ELISA, enzymatic assays, imaging, and flow cytometry.

What you’ll do:

• Execute animal models with guidance from senior staff; provide technical support for and contribute to the development and implementation of animal models and experimental procedures
• Process samples at the conclusion of studies using established techniques (microbiology, ELISA, biomarker identification, tissue processing) and perform primary cell culture
• Perform data analysis and present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute
• Follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate records and documentation to comply with regulatory requirements
• Assist in managing the laboratory space by maintaining necessary supplies and equipment and interfacing with veterinary staff and research scientists
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams

Working Conditions:

• The ability to work after regular hours and on weekends on occasion is required for this role.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 15-30 pounds, and push and pull heavy equipment.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7-hour shift and be able to perform repetitive motions over…