Research Assistant I

Research Assistant I Full-time Work Format: Fully On-Site Harvard Job Function: Research Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Salary Grade: 052 Department: Sciences - Chemistry and Chemical Biology 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 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 Balskus lab is searching for a technician to provide experimental support for an on-going project aimed at understanding bacterial metabolism in the vaginal microbiome. Working closely with senior lab members, the technician will primarily be responsible for assisting in the design, execution and analysis of assays that assess microbial growth, metabolism, and enzymatic activity. Additionally, the employee will assist with other tasks that support the operation of the overall lab, as described in more detail below. The research assistant may work on an independent project, but within specific guidelines. Strong organizational and communication skills are critical. Job-Specific Responsibilities: Under supervision of a senior lab member, assist in the design and execution of assays to assess anaerobic bacterial growth or enzymatic activity. This includes aliquoting clinical samples and testing these samples for enzymatic activity. This will also include the preparation of bacterial cultures for testing in various enzymatic assays. Inoculation and maintenance of anaerobic microbial cultures from freezer stocks in preparation for assays. Preparation and sterilization of growth media. Expression and purification of enzymes. Preparation and analysis of samples using various analytical methods, in particular small molecule liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), quantitative PCR (qPCR), RNA-Seq, and biochemical assays on clinical samples and cultures. Report assay results using a variety of scientific, word processing, and presentation platforms. Maintenance and cleaning of additional laboratory equipment and glassware. May instruct other lab members in certain techniques or procedures. Ordering lab supplies and processing invoices, and other administrative duties as needed. Assist with the preparation and coordination of shipping or transfer of samples between collaborators’ labs. Thorough documentation of all research activities in electronic lab notebook and management of research data. The successful candidate may be invited to attend lab group meetings as appropriate. The candidate will also have the opportunity to attend external research consortium meetings, assist with writing of progress reports, other administrative tasks, and interacting with the funders of this project when necessary. Working Conditions: Monday-Friday on campus. Qualifications Basic Qualifications: A minimum 1-year of full time research experience working in a biological or chemistry laboratory setting. College level course