Research Assistant II

Harvard Medical School

Boston, MA

ID: 7287926 (Ref.No. hh-67071BR)
Posted: 2 months ago

Job Description

Position Description

As part of a vibrant research environment, the successful candidate will collaborate with researchers from departments across HMS to engage in cutting-edge research. This role involves operating, maintaining, and performing quality control on advanced flow cytometers and cell sorters, such as the Symphony, Astrios, FACSAria, and Aurora. The Operator will provide essential cell sorting services to researchers and facility users, ensuring high-quality data and seamless project execution.


Key Responsibilities:

Flow Cytometric Analysis & Cell Sorting:

  • Perform complex and high-precision cell sorting for research projects in immunology and other disciplines across the Longwood Medical Area.
  • Work closely with researchers to optimize and troubleshoot multi-color flow cytometry experiments, ensuring accurate data collection and reproducibility.


Instrument Maintenance & Quality Control:

  • Operate and maintain flow cytometers and cell sorters, including Symphony, Astrios, FACSAria, and Aurora models.
  • Conduct routine quality control checks, troubleshooting, and repairs to ensure optimal instrument performance.
  • Keep detailed records of instrument usage, maintenance schedules, and performance logs. 

Training & Technical Support:
  • Provide guidance and technical support to researchers, assisting with experimental design, instrument use, and data analysis.
  • Train new investigators and facility users on flow cytometry techniques, best practices, and instrument operation.  


Collaboration & Experimental Design:

  • Collaborate with facility managers and researchers to offer expert advice on flow cytometry protocols, experimental design, and data interpretation.
  • Assist in developing new methodologies and protocols that enhance the facility's research capabilities.  


Administrative Support & Other Duties:

  • Perform administrative tasks to support the core facility's daily operations, including scheduling instrument time, managing user inquiries, and overseeing laboratory supplies.
  • Participate in facility meetings and contribute to continuously improving lab operations.
  • Undertake additional duties as assigned by the facility manager or department head.  
Basic Qualifications

A college background with at least one year of hands-on experience in flow cytometry or a related analysis technique.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Immunology, Cell Biology, or a related field. 
  • Prior experience working in a laboratory environment, with a solid understanding of flow cytometry and cell sorting techniques.
  • Familiarity with data analysis software like FlowJo, FACSDiva, or similar platforms.
  • Strong multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex technical procedures.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse research teams.  
Additional Information
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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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
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.