Research Assistant II Lab

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7141667 (Ref.No. hh-62156BR)
Posted: April 24, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Description

This position is for a highly motivated full-time Research Assistant II (RA) for our brand new innovative Gnotobiotic Core Facility (GCF) at the Harvard Medical School. The RA will work under the direct supervision of the GCF Manager, and aid the animal husbandry and specialist team. The ideal candidate will have significant experience with mouse colony management, handling, and manipulation techniques. Working in a gnotobiotic setting is an asset but not required.

The RA will have demonstrated the ability to work well with colleagues and customers, and a strong commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, and ability to work closely with a small research team for carrying out deadline-oriented tasks. The RA may be required to train and support staff and new users of the GCF.

The RA will be responsible for contributing to the daily operations of the GCF; including but not limited to:

Mouse husbandry in isolators
Breakdown and setup of flexible film and semi-rigid isolators
Preparation of sterile supplies including food and bedding
Use of heavy facility equipment including autoclaves and cage washer
Management of mouse colonies; breeding various schemes, weaning, and timed mating
Maintaining transgenic mouse colonies; identification, mating, weaning, genotyping
Perform biological testing for quality control
Collecting of biological diagnostic samples (blood, feces, tissue) and mouse dissection: harvesting organs.
Collection and maintenance of data; record keeping
Ensure facility compliance with all local and federal animal use regulatory entities
Act as backup for other technicians, as needed, and performs other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

2 or more years of related experience is required (relevant course work may count towards experience). -

Working Conditions

May require work with infectious agents
Employee must perform tasks that require the use of personal protective equipment

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences, RVT or LAT certification or related field or equivalent
ALAT, or LAT certification by the American Association for Lab Animal Science
Experience in semi-rigid and flexible film isolators and ISO Positive Individually Ventilated Cages (Tecniplast)
Experience with mice is required
Experience with gnotobiotics and germ-free mouse husbandry an asset
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Additional Information

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

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety, and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to complete an attestation of having received their primary series COVID-19 vaccination prior to hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Individuals may request exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons prior to completing the hiring process. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

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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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

EEO 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.

Harvard Medical School strives to cultivate an environment that promotes inclusiveness and collaboration among students, faculty and staff and to create new avenues for discussion that will advance our shared mission to improve the health of people throughout the world.

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