Research Assistant I Lab

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7143577 (Ref.No. hh-62289BR)
Posted: May 4, 2023
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Job Description

Position Description
Are you interested in studying the blood-brain barrier and the genes that allow it to form a protective environment for the brain? We are seeking a research assistant in Chenghua Gu’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School. Our lab studies the endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier. We have found that these cells express a unique set of genes, which we hypothesize are important for maintaining the blood-brain barrier’s integrity. The research assistant will work with other lab members to study how these genes exert their functions in the mouse brain using a variety of imaging strategies, mouse genetics, as well as cell and molecular biology techniques. The ideal research assistant will be well-organized, self-motivated, and demonstrate responsibility. While here, the individual will gain experience with the scientific method, experimental design, leadership, and time management, and have the freedom to implement their own ideas to help to accelerate scientific projects.
On day to day basis, the individual will work on experiments ranging between the following types of work:
  1. Molecular biology (plasmid cloning, gene editing, viral construct building etc.
  2. Cell biology (both at super resolution subcellular level as well as cell-cell interaction via ligand-receptor signaling in vitro and in vivo).
  3. Biochemistry (western blotting, protein purification).
  4. Tissue culture (transfection, viral infection, morphology analysis etc).
  5. Histology (immunostaining, EM, tissue clearance, etc.),
  6. Imaging and imaging analysis (confocal, EM, super resolution, slidescanner, etc) and cell profiling and other imaging tools for analysis.
Basic Qualifications
  • College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
  • At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards some, though not all, work experience).
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Must have good communication skills, organization, and be a team player.
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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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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