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Research Assistant II Lab

Research Assistant II Lab

locationCambridge, MA, USA
PublishedPublished: 9/25/2025
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:

Under nominal direction, this individual performs a variety of basic and general laboratory research and clerical tasks related to fluorescence imaging of dynamic cellular processes in cultured primary cells and in live animals (mice and zebrafish).


Job-Specific Responsibilities:

May perform tasks related to the research project independently, within broad guidelines and subject to periodic review by supervisor or other research staff. Job duties entail maintenance and upkeep of the mouse colony (genotyping, breeding, weaning, euthanasia and tissue harvest), habituating and training mice on behavioral setups, managing cell culture of primary and stable mammalian cell lines, maintenance and upkeep of the wet lab, cloning and molecular biology, and ordering supplies and managing equipment repairs. The research assistant will also train new lab members on wet lab use and protocols and help ensure safe working practices in the wet lab.


Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

College background in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Neuroscience, Molecular and Cell Biology, or related discipline required.


Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Bachelor's degree preferred. Two or more years of experience in related laboratory research preferred. Must be comfortable working with mice. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team, be self-motivated, and be comfortable interacting with researchers from diverse backgrounds. Should have excellent communication skills. Familiarity with common wet-lab and optical instrumentation and Microsoft Office preferred.


Additional Information
  • Appointment End Date: This is a one year term position
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 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

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. 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.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. 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.