Research Assistant I Lab

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7143112 (Ref.No. hh-62253BR)
Posted: May 2, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and responsible full-time Research Technician in the laboratory of Dr. Bernardo Sabatini at Harvard Medical School. Broadly, the Sabatini Lab studies the neural processes by which animals pick their next action. They focus on the circuitry of the cortex and basal ganglia, brain structures that are fundamental to motor action and selection, and seek to understand how the regulation of synapses in these structures modify animal behavior. More information on the lab can be found on their website: https://sabatini.hms.harvard.edu/.

We are targeting curious, self-driven candidates who are passionate about the world of biology and have a strong eye for detail. This role is an opportunity to partner with a world-class lab and learn from scientists who are fundamentally changing how we think about human behavior.

The role will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow and another technician investigating the mechanisms of environmentally induced plasticity of specific cell types and circuits in the brain. We are interested in mapping how this plasticity leads to altered adaptive behaviors, and how these processes go awry in human disease. The candidate will assist with stereotaxic surgeries, awake behavior in mice, molecular biology, and histology. The best candidates will be comfortable handling live mice, work effectively in a team setting and independently, and have an organized, methodical approach to their work. We are ideally targeting candidates looking to stay within the lab for 2 years before moving on.
Basic Qualifications
  • College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
  • Previous hands-on research laboratory experience required.
  • Lab experience obtained during undergraduate studies is acceptable and will be considered.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree with prior experience in a wet lab environment.
  • A major in Neuroscience, Biology, and Chemistry is preferred.
  • Experience in one or more of the following techniques would be preferred: cell culture, biochemistry techniques, mouse intracranial surgery, and histological preparations.
  • Experience or willingness to work with mice, manage a mouse colony, and perform survival and non-survival procedures as necessary.
  • Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles. Some experience with programming, using R and/or Python is preferred.
  • Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed.
  • Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.
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.

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.