Research Assistant I - Cambridge, United States - Harvard University

Harvard University

Verified Company

Cambridge, United States

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

Job Summary

Unleash your potential in the exciting world of plant diversity research The Davis Lab, spearheaded by Charles Davis, is a vibrant hub of innovation, including a diverse team of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers.

Our research is a thrilling exploration into the mysteries of plant diversity across space and time, including areas such as anthropogenic climate change, phylogenomics, biogeography, biome evolution, and symbioses.

Our projects are a blend of evolution and ecology, molecular biology, systematics, development, phenology, and bioinformatics.

We are seeking a passionate Research Assistant I to join our dynamic team.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking research project that aims to characterize the genomes of medicinal plants.

Your role will be pivotal in ensuring we reach our ambitious project goals.

As a Research Assistant, you will be immersed in the fascinating world of wet-lab work, including DNA extraction, library preparations, sample preparation, and library pooling.

You'll also have the fascinating opportunity to handle precious herbarium specimens.

This role offers the exciting prospect of engaging directly with the development of research deliverables, including the chance to review, edit, and prepare papers and talks.

Your work may also extend into the intriguing realm of phytochemical investigations of plants.

Position Description
Under specific direction from the PI, performs a variety of laboratory tasks related to the research project.

Typical Duties:

Perform highthroughput DNA extractions.
Perform library preparations.
Pool libraries for sequencing.
Process lab supply orders.
May assist postdoctoral researcher in bioinformatic analysis.
May sample herbarium specimens to obtain leaf material for DNA extractions or phytochemical assessments.

Basic Qualifications
College coursework in biology, and 1 year of lab experience. Education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills
BA/BS. At least one year of related work experience. Demonstrated abilities in basic laboratory techniques. Exposure to Microsoft and computer databases. Attention to detail is exceedingly important. Excellent communication skills, organization, and the ability to work with multiple constituents is preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excited about medicinal plants, their genomics, ecology, and evolution, and communicating that excitement to others.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; and rarely lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Regular working positions are to sit and/or stand at a work station such as imaging station and computer. The employee is occasionally required to get up a step stool or kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, a resume and cover letter are required.
This is a 6-month term position with the possibility of extension based on funding. Harvard University will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
- **All formal offers made _by FAS Human Resources

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily oncampus, in Massachusetts. This may include inperson 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.

About Us

The Harvard University Herbaria (HUH) include six collections and more than five million specimens of algae, bryophytes, fungi, and vascular plants. Together they form one of the largest university herbarium collections in the world, and the fourth largest herbarium in the United States. With their stateofthe art research laboratories and world class libraries, the HUH have been a centerpiece of biodiversity science since the early 1800s.

Benefits-
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.
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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.
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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, n