Position Description

The Kaeser laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School seeks to understand mechanisms of the release and signaling of neurotransmitters. Our work focuses and fast synaptic mechanisms and on modulatory systems like dopamine and serotonin. We use a variety of approaches including genetic, molecular, electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral techniques.

The Research Assistant will perform a variety of laboratory research tasks related to our projects on neurotransmission. The work will be performed under specific direction, and the research assistant may be asked to perform familiar tasks independently. The person we are looking for should be well organized and motivated, have strong communication skills and work well with a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

 

Typical duties include:

• Performs experiments to assess neurotransmission in the brain. This may include work with experimental animals (mouse genetic techniques, mouse husbandry, tissue collection, behavioral analyses), molecular and cell biological techniques (PCR, cloning, plasmid DNA preparation, tissue culture), and morphological analyses of neuronal tissue (antibody staining, microcopy).
• Organizes and summarizes data, reporting experimental progress and results using a variety of processing platforms.
• Prepares solutions and stocks for general lab operations and supports routine laboratory maintenance tasks such as maintaining and cleaning equipment, ordering of lab supplies, and maintaining services with vendors. It also includes the tracking of orders, logging of receipts and processing of invoices.  

Basic Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience.
• At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Previous experience in mouse husbandry, neuroscience, brain morphology, and/or cellular and molecular biology preferred. Excellent organizational skills are mandatory. Intent for a > 1 yr commitment preferred.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.
Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.
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.