Research Assistant I at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Research Assistant I

Req ID: 66917BR

School or Unit: Harvard Medical School

Description: Position Description

The Naxerova Lab focuses on studying the evolutionary history of cancer, particularly the processes of mutation and selection in normal stem cells and how these influence cancer development and metastasis. Using high-throughput experimental and computational approaches, the lab aims to uncover how tissue-specific selection shapes the cancer genome and how genetic intra-tumor heterogeneity can provide insights into cancer's life history. The Research Assistant will support these efforts by assisting with a variety of laboratory experiments and data processing, working under nominal supervision.

Typical Duties:

• Assist with experiments involving molecular or cellular biology, including working with laboratory animals, according to established protocols;
• Prepare media, solutions, and reagents as required for ongoing experiments;
• Collect, organize, and record experimental data, maintaining detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks;
• Assist in processing and presenting experimental results using scientific and computational tools;
• Set up and perform laboratory experiments related to cancer evolution, including tumor and metastasis studies, as directed by senior research staff;
• Support the development of new methods for lineage tracing in human cancer to understand tumor evolution;
• Manage laboratory orders and supplies to ensure smooth operation of ongoing projects;
• Organize and oversee food arrangements for lab social hours and events, ensuring team morale and collaboration.

Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Familiarity with data collection, processing, and software applications for scientific data analysis (e.g., Excel, R, Python).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks, including lab supply management and event coordination.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Additional Information

This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.

Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-WG1

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Boston

Job Code: 403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Job Function: Research

Work Format: On-Site

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 052

Department: Genetics


Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Identity

Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Commitment to Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

EOE Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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