Research Assistant I Lab

30-May-2025

Harvard Medical School

68264BR

Job Summary

Exciting opportunity in cancer research lab!

Position Description

The Brugge lab studies breast and ovarian cancer, striving to discover the mechanisms behind disease initiation, progression and drug resistance.

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious research assistant to join our team. In this position, you will work under the direct supervision of a postdoctoral fellow to study breast cancer initiation and progression using a newly developed mouse model of breast cancer together with primary patient samples. You will additionally learn a cutting-edge technique called cyclic immunofluorescence (CyCIF), which allows spatial resolution of different cell states within a tissue in order to understand how tumors are organized and how different cell types interact. The expectation is that these efforts will lead to high-impact peer-reviewed publications. Former research assistants from our lab have been accepted to graduate programs, including MD and/or PhD programs, as well as industry positions. 

Responsibilities will be:

• Mouse husbandry, genotyping, dissection
• Molecular biology, e.g. Western blotting, cloning
• Cyclic immunofluorescence and antibody validation
• Immunofluorescence staining of tissues, microscopy, image analysis
• Contribute to general lab tasks
• Maintaining accurate and detailed records of experiments

Basic Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline
• At least 1-year related work experience - relevant course work may count towards experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum 1 year experience working in a lab strongly preferred
• Experience working with mouse handling preferred
• Applicant should be motivated, demonstrate an excellent work ethic
• Highly organized with good time management skills
• Follow protocols with attention to detail and produce high quality work
• Must be able to work as a team member and possess excellent communication skills
• Ability to make sound judgements and to problem solve
• Must be willing to make a minimum 2-year commitment, dependent on funding and work performance

Physical Requirements

May have to lift or move heavy lab equipment

Working Conditions

Required to work with hazardous materials under approved safety protocols and to work with and handle animals

Additional Information

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. 

Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.

Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.

The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to keep in touch and learn about future opportunities! (https://www.gem.com ?formID=16341e35-cbc6-4904-88a3-09b35763307e)

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). 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.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values     https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

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.

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