Research Assistant I Lab

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7143113 (Ref.No. hh-62255BR)
Posted: May 2, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and independent individual for a full-time research technician position in Dr. Bernardo Sabatini’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School. The research technician will work primarily with Drs. Shijia Liu and Thomas Wheatcroft, two postdoctoral fellows, to investigate the neural mechanisms of flexible decision-making behaviors. We use mice as a model to study action selection, motivation, and sensorimotor integration across a variety of motor behaviors. We use a wide range of techniques including optogenetics, pharmacology, electrophysiology, calcium-imaging, viral tracing, headfixed- and freely-moving behavior, to study how actions are chosen and terminated.

The technician’s responsibilities include performing behavioral training, stereotaxic surgery, perfusion, dissection and slicing, RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, mouse colony management, imaging acquisition, data analysis and graphing.

The technician will participate in weekly lab meetings and fulfill lab responsibilities. The technician will learn and perform experiments with Drs. Shijia Liu and Thomas Wheatcroft 50/50 and meet with them weekly to discuss experimental planning and data interpretation.

Prior laboratory experience is required, as well as strong organizational skills and an eagerness to learn. Successful candidates will be independent, outgoing, flexible, self-motivated, and able to assimilate new information and execute quickly. You will have the opportunity to direct the research project while taking advantage of the intelligent, diverse, welcoming, and exciting team of researchers at the Sabatini lab.
Basic Qualifications
College background and one-year related lab experience (advanced education may count towards experience).
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's or Master’s degree with prior experience in a wet lab environment.
  • A major in Neuroscience or a biology-related subject is preferred.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills are required.
  • Experience in one or more of the following techniques would be preferred: mouse stereotaxic surgery, behavior, histological preparations, and mouse colony management.
  • Experience or willingness to work with mice as well as 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 MATLAB 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 an 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.