Research Assistant I Lab

Research Technician Position

The Brown lab in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology at Harvard Medical School seeks a highly motivated research technician to support an industry-funded project investigating how primary cilia regulate hypothalamic control of energy balance and obesity. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting edge basic research in cilia biology.

The successful candidate will perform routine and semi-independent experiments in mammalian cell culture and assist with downstream in vivo and -omics studies. Core responsibilities include maintaining cell lines, performing immunofluorescence microscopy, assisting with advanced imaging and proteomic workflows, meticulous record keeping, and contributing to overall lab organization and operations (including inventory and ordering). The position provides excellent training in cell biology, imaging, and genomics approaches and is ideal for individuals considering graduate or medical school. Research in the Brown Lab centers on understanding how cilia function. This position will primarily focus on trafficking of ciliary signaling receptors implicated in obesity. Experimental approaches may include: mammalian cell culture; CRISPR based genetic manipulation; immunofluorescence microscopy; proximity labeling proteomics, and bulk and single cell RNA seq.

Responsibilities (with training and oversight):

• Perform routine mammalian cell culture.
• Perform routine immunofluorescence microscopy, including sample preparation, imaging, and basic quantitative analysis.
• Assist postdoctoral fellows and other lab members with more complex experiments (e.g., CRISPR editing and proteomics).
• Maintain accurate, well organized experimental records.
• Contribute to reports and publications.
• Support daily lab operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, ordering, and general lab upkeep.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in cell biology.
• At least one year of relevant work experience with mammalian cell culture (course-based research may count towards this experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline such as cell biology or biochemistry.
• Hands on experience with cell biology techniques such as mammalian cell culture, buffer and reagent preparation, immunostaining, microscopy, or molecular cloning.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication skills.

Additional Information

• Term: 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.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the View email address on click.appcast.io portal.