Research Assistant I Lab

Research Assistant I Lab Full-time Work Format: Fully On-Site Harvard Job Function: Research Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Salary Grade: 052 Department: Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology FLSA Status: Non-exempt 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 Harvard Medical School? Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership. You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine. Job Description 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. For more information about the lab, please visit https://brown.hms.harvard.edu/ . 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