Research Assistant II Lab

Position Description

As a Molecular Biology Research Assistant in the Wu Lab at Harvard Medical School (HMS), you will be a member of an interdisciplinary team of creative and skilled individuals who are dedicated to the application of super-resolution and diffraction-limited microscopy to advance our understanding of the 3D organization of the genome and how that organization facilitates genome function. Responsibilities will include running standard and cutting-edge molecular biology and imaging experiments including, but not limited to, PCR, qPCR, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) using Oligopaints, fluidics, diffraction-limited microscopy, structured illumination microscopy (SIM), and single-molecule localization microscopy (OligoSTORM, OligoDNA PAINT). Your work will be a crucial part of a bigger project involving image analysis and data interpretation. We value team collaboration, innovation in method development, and detailed data analysis to understand genome function. You are expected to work closely with lab members with experience in molecular biology, imaging, and image analysis.

Basic Qualifications

College background and 1-2 years of relevant experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• BS/MS degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics or related fields preferred
• Experience in a collaborative environment, particularly in cross-functional teams that include computational and experimental biologists.
• 1-2 years of hands-on experience with PCR, qPCR, and molecular biology techniques. Proficiency in data analysis, visualization, and statistical software (e.g., R, Python).
• Strong presentation and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• You are detail-oriented and value precision and reproducibility in your work.
• You have a strong curiosity, eagerness to learn, and a desire to tackle challenging problems. You are adaptable, self-sufficient, and willing to seek guidance when necessary.
• You organize and manage your time efficiently. You are an effective communicator.
• You can efficiently manage multiple tasks and priorities. Advantageous:
• Knowledge of FISH, diffraction-limited microscopy, SIM, or single-molecule localization microscopy is not essential, although helpful.
• Familiarity with fluidics systems and their applications in molecular biology and imaging is not essential, although helpful.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

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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Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.