Research Assistant I Lab

The Walter Laboratory (https://walter.hms.harvard.edu/) at Harvard Medical School and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Boston is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to study genome maintenance and how defects in this process cause cancer and other human diseases. The laboratory uses a powerful biochemical system derived from frog eggs as a model to study mechanisms of DNA replication and DNA repair. We use molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and single-molecule imaging approaches. The Walter lab is a welcoming community where all members actively work together to understand how cells maintain their genomes in health and disease. 

Under supervision from a post-doctoral fellow or graduate student, the Research Assistant will pursue a project involving a wide range of techniques, including setting up in-vitro biochemical reactions using frog egg extracts, electrophoresis, microscopy, Western blotting, and molecular cloning. In conducting their research, technicians will design, carry out, interpret, record, and present experiments. 

Our technicians are encouraged to take intellectual ownership of their projects. They present at lab meetings and journal clubs, contribute to manuscripts, and sometimes attend scientific conferences. ~70% of time will be dedicated to research, with the remaining time spent on activities that support the entire laboratory (see below). Working in the Walter laboratory is excellent preparation for graduate and medical school. Former technicians from the laboratory have been accepted to top Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D., and M.D. programs. 

Harvard Medical School and the surrounding hospitals bring together world-renowned scientists and clinicians in a community dedicated to understanding the marvels of human biology and conquering disease. With regular symposia, daily seminars, and several large graduate programs, Harvard Medical School allows young trainees to realize their career goals and reach their full potential as scientists. 

Responsibilities 

• Carry out a scientific project under the direction of a postdoctoral fellow or Ph.D. candidate. Design, execute, interpret, record, and present experiments. Participate actively in the scope and direction of research projects.
• Read and interpret literature applicable to research areas. 
• Use software applications to interpret and present data.
• Participate actively in the scope and direction of research projects. 
• Manage day-to-day to day activity and organization within the laboratory. 
• Order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies. 
• Renew and amend lab permits. 
• Maintain laboratory equipment. 
• Maintain laboratory website. 
• Serve as laboratory safety and radiation safety representative.