Laboratory Technician

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard's undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard's Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Holford Lab at Harvard University studies the complex trait and novelty using venomous organisms. Specifically, we study how venom evolves, develop, and function in predatory marine mollusks and how the components of a venom arsenal can be used for treating human disorders such as pain and cancer. We are taking an integrative multi-modal approach for studying venom using a broad range of techniques including multi-omic (genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic) profiling, lineage tracing, histology, cell culture, bioinformatics, and molecular and biochemical assays. The ultimate goal of our research is to uncover guiding principles of rapidly evolving genes. We are seeking a Laboratory Technician to support our growing lab needs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

This position will report directly to the Principal Investigator and perform the following duties:

1. Prepares matter for analysis and diagnosis, performing duties such as cutting, embedding and staining tissue, mounting slides, and preparing complex chemical solutions and media.

2. Performs standard computational experimental tests and procedures.

3. Records results of experiments according to standard laboratory techniques.

4. May operate scientific equipment, requiring a high degree of skill and/or precision.

5. May maintain cultures, animals, and other experimental matter, requiring knowledge of aquatic husbandry and other laboratory techniques.

6. Performs related job duties as required.

Working Conditions:

Work is in a lab and office setting.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

One year of experience working in a laboratory. College coursework may count towards year of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Undergraduate degree in STEM field of biology, evolution, chemistry, or computer science strongly preferred. Strong organizational and communication skills, and should be detail-oriented. Must be able to work independently and part of a team. Basic knowledge of lab best practices and protocols. Ability to take direction and receive constructive feedback well. Experience with various lab techniques such as cell culture, histology, and molecular and biochemical assays preferrable.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term position
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  ***All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
  
  
  OEB is a diverse and vibrant department with a broad range of research and teaching interests, ranging from the evolution and control of gene expression patterns within individuals and populations to the dynamics of ecosystems. Field and laboratory studies are key to understanding the evolution of organisms, how biodiversity is generated and maintained, how organisms work, and how organisms interact with their environment. OEB has close working associations with its allied institutions: the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) and the Harvard University Herbaria (HUH), as well as the Arnold Arboretum and the Harvard Forest. These institutions and their collections offer an unparalleled, rich set of resources for OEB students, faculty, visitors and staff.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 049. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.


Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.


EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.