Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Application
Details
Posted: 05-May-23
Location: USA - MA - Boston
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 62301BR
Job Summary
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with experience in molecular and cellular biology and/or mouse genetics to join our dynamic research team. The successful candidate will play an integral role in ongoing studies exploring how the PI3K-mTOR signaling network is altered in cancer, diabetes, and aging, and how targeting components of the signaling network might lead to new insights into how to treat or prevent these conditions. Research is particularly focused on how this signaling network is integrated with metabolic networks to control cell growth and systemic nutrient metabolism. Ongoing studies employ genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and animal models combined with unbiased systems-level tools, including genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and bioinformatics. For more information about Dr. Brendan Manning's lab, please visit: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/brendan-manning/manning-lab/
The RA will be expected to be an integral part of the Manning lab team of researchers, actively participating in regular laboratory meetings, discussions, and publications. It is expected that they will contribute to the advancement of research projects central to the laboratory while at the same time advancing their research skills and development as a scientist.
In addition to contributing to research endeavors, the appointee will also be responsible for overseeing daily operations of the lab. These duties will include ordering of supplies and monitoring lab spending, maintaining laboratory equipment, managing laboratory collections (e.g., mouse models, cell lines, antibodies, plasmids) and databases, updating IACUC and COMS protocols, overseeing compliance issues, designating lab duties for personnel, and onboarding/training of new personnel in standard laboratory practices and safety procedures.
The research assistant will hold an integral role within the lab – not only taking on the administrative duties involved in running the lab but also supporting and participating in the science. We're targeting someone highly organized, with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail. This is an opportunity to have a tremendous impact on the running of a lab – ensuring a positive and encouraging work environment that fosters a strong and cohesive team.
Position Description
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Responsible for ordering and organization of supplies, oversight of essential equipment, inventory management of laboratory reagents, handling and processing of biological samples, use of hazardous chemicals in laboratory experiments, and general laboratory tasks. Reports directly to laboratory supervisor.
Administer lab safety programs and monitor regulatory compliance.
Coordinate lab orientation of all new lab members and training on a variety of laboratory procedures
Perform laboratory experiments utilizing specific and prescribed techniques and equipment
Collect and document project data; process, organize and summarize data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms
Process orders or invoices, or undertake other clerical and basic accounting duties under the direction of administrative personnel
Organize and manage laboratory databases and reagent collections
May perform routine logging and testing of samples
Assist in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols as a member of a project team or together with the principal investigator
Assist in animal-related lab experimentation and oversight, including mouse husbandry, maintaining animal protocols, complying with university regulations and best practices of animal experiments, recording animal ordering/usage, and managing the mouse colony including ordering/import of animals, breeding and genotyping
Communicate and coordinate with various department and school administrative personnel on lab issues
Attend department and School meetings on behalf of the lab as needed (e.g. regular lab management meetings held by MET Research Operations Manager, journal clubs, seminars, and lab meetings)
Participate in trainings as needed and appropriate to role
Act as contact for some lab matters and work closely with department and central School staff on behalf of lab (e.g. operations, IT, research administration, and department administrators, IACUC, and EHS)
Work efficiently and cooperatively with a team of researchers in support of projects
Participate in laboratory meetings and discussions
Performs other duties as assigned
PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of two years from date of hire with the possibility of extension. This position is primarily on-campus and this position will be based in Boston, MA. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
PLEASE NOTE: Finalists will be required to pass an occupational health screening.
Basic Qualifications
2+ years of relevant research experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered
Additional Qualifications and Skills
The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:
Bachelor's Degree or higher in a life science or related field
Masters Degree or PhD is a plus
2+ years in a research laboratory, including work with rodent models/small animal husbandry
Prior experience working with rodent models is a strong plus
Strong technical knowledge and experience in biological sciences research
Knowledge of standard safety regulations and appropriate laboratory practices applying to research in biology and biochemistry; engages others effectively in learning and applying appropriate practices
May be required to lift, move, and transport related laboratory equipment
May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials
Knowledge of computer and MS office software, as well as Mac software
The successful candidate will possess excellent organizational skills -- prioritizes and manages several issues simultaneously, and provide stability and reassurance in the face of unexpected events.
Must be self-motivated, team-oriented, and works well in a diverse laboratory environment.
Will possess strong people skills, including the aptitude and willingness to work closely with colleagues as a team. Experience working with individuals with diverse backgrounds, and an openness to consider new ideas are important to success.
Strong writing and oral communication skills are key to ensuring consistent and clear messaging regarding safety, compliance, and lab protocols; keeping accurate records
The following cultural competencies are also preferred:
Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity
Additional Information
Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!
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The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
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Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University's COVID-19 Information Website.
Salary Grade: 053
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.