Research Assistant I

The Hsu lab at Harvard's Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (http://hsulaboratory.org) utilizes mouse as a primary model to study stem cell biology and developmental biology of the skin. Under direction of the Principal Investigator and the lab members, the research assistant will participate in projects that involve rodent animal husbandry, including management of mouse cohort, health monitoring, breeding and weaning, tail or toe biopsies, genotyping, tissue collection.

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Location: Cambridge, MA.

The research assistant will collect, organize and analyze experimental data using analysis software and spreadsheet applications, and perform general laboratory support tasks. Specific tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct experiments supporting research projects under the guidance of the principal investigator and lab members;
• Surgical procedures on laboratory mice, including in utero and postnatal surgeries;
• Perform a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests - cloning and genotyping, tissue histology, tissue section, cell culture, FACS analysis, microscopy, immunofluorescence;
• Prepare/place orders and do appropriate follow-up for purchase and maintenance of laboratory equipment, reagents, lab supplies, and animals (mice);
• Prepare and maintain stocks of reagents, solutions and supplies;
• Maintain lab records and compliance with safety and biohazard;
• Occasionally instruct new lab members in routine laboratory tests/techniques;
• May act as laboratory liaison to vendors, core facilities, and other laboratories.
  

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about scientific research, is an excellent communicator and a team player, and understands the necessary groundwork to keep a fast-paced lab functional to join our team. This position provides an excellent opportunity for a highly motivated individual to continue their scientific learning and development.

Basic Qualifications

College level coursework in cellular and molecular biology and one year of biological laboratory research experience is required.

Additional Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a related field.
• The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of lab experience with one or more of the following skills (please describe the specific skills you have in the cover letter): rodent animal husbandry, mouse surgery skills, molecular biology or biochemistry, histology, FACS, immunofluorescent staining, and microscopy.
• Computer experience relevant to analysis and documentation of experimental results is essential. Familiarity with R, Python, or other programming languages is a plus (please specify in the cover letter).
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills and the ability to interact professionally with all levels of staff.
• Exceptional organization skills and attention to detail is essential.
• The ability to excel in a collaborative, team-oriented, high-paced environment is important.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and the ability to adopt new roles as the needs of the lab change are essential.
• If you are familiar with any of the following, please state in the cover letter specifically: experience with analyzing deep-sequencing data, adobe illustrator (for scientific illustration), proofreading or editing.
  

Physical Requirements

May be required to work with and handle lab-based animals
May be required to lift, move and transport related laboratory equipment.
May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials