Research Assistant II - Lab

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 Klein lab in Systems Biology seeks a Research Assistant II to support and advance the lab's microfluidics and genomics capabilities. The lab has recently developed a microfluidic genomic platform, called the CAGE platform, which allows combining live-cell culturing with subsequent genomic assays (published in Mazelis et al, Science 2026). The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for operating the CAGE microfluidic platform and for preparing genomic libraries, working closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other lab members across a range of projects. Research in the lab spans bacterial massively parallel perturbation assays through stem cell biology, and the Research Assistant will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work in several of these areas. T

The role offers substantial hands-on technical training, exposure to a broad range of experimental systems, and collaborative engagement with multiple ongoing research programs. Principal duties and responsibilities will include:

1. Operate and maintain the CAGE microfluidic platform. This includes running microfluidic experiments, performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting, managing reagent inventory and preparation, tracking consumables, and ensuring the platform remains in reliable working order for lab-wide use.
2. Serve as a technical resource for platform users. The Research Assistant will collaborate with multiple members of the lab, supporting their experiments on the platform and coordinating scheduling and sample handling across concurrent projects.
3. Prepare genomic libraries, with particular emphasis on multi-step CAGE genomics protocols. This includes executing established protocols with precision, maintaining detailed and accurate records, assessing library quality, and contributing to protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
4. Contribute to ongoing research projects led by members of the lab, with opportunities to participate in experimental design, data generation, and interpretation.
5. Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental procedures and results and participate in lab meetings and group discussions.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in the biological sciences or related quantitative field. 
• One to two years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• An exceptional undergraduate academic record in the biological sciences or a related quantitative field.
• Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology, such as through undergraduate research, coursework-based research, or a summer research program. Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and reliability, with the ability to execute complex multi-step protocols accurately and reproducibly.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple team members on concurrent projects.
• Prior experience with microfluidics, next-generation sequencing library preparation, or single-cell methods is a plus but is not required; training will be provided.

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 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. 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.