Job Description

We are currently seeking a dynamic, interested, and curious Research Technician within the lab of Dr. Chenghua Gu at Harvard Medical School. The Gu lab studies the interface of the nervous and vascular systems.  Their mission is to understand the cellular and physiological mechanisms underlying the unique neurovascular interactions including the blood-brain barrier and neurovascular coupling, and to harness their discoveries for therapeutics.  More information on the lab can be found on their website .

The ideal Research Assistant will be well organized, self-motivated, and demonstrate responsibility. While here, the individual will gain experience with the scientific method, experimental design, leadership, time management, and have the freedom to implement their own ideas to help to accelerate scientific projects.

In this role, you will work closely with a postdoctoral fellow or small team focusing on one of two areas of research, depending on their background and area of interest:

Blood-Brain Barrier: Our lab studies the endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier. We have found that these cells express a unique set of genes, which we hypothesize are important for maintaining the blood-brain barrier’s integrity.  In this role, you will work with other lab members to study how these genes exert their functions in the mouse brain, using techniques such as:

• A variety of imaging strategies, mouse genetics, as well as cell and molecular biology techniques.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Joining the vibrant Harvard Medical School research community.

• A culture that promotes curiosity, teamwork, and continuous growth within a world-renowned research institution.

• Opportunities for mentorship and professional development including potential contribution to research publications.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members on the design, preparation, and execution of experiments

• Handle mice, including genotyping and some husbandry work

• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area

• Analyze data using standard and machine learning algorithm

• Maintain a lab notebook of raw data and organize data for analysis by senior lab members

• Keep detailed records

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry or related discipline

• 1-2 years of experience working a related research lab

• Prior experience animal husbandry, PCR, and knowledge of basic genetics

• Flexibility to work as needed around the timeline of the animal experiments

• Self-motivated and able to perform complex tasks effectively and independently with general instruction

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to follow instruction with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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