Massachusetts Healthcare Jobs

61170BRAuto req ID:61170BRJob Code:403112 Research Assistant II Lab Location:USA - MA - Boston Business Title:Research Technician, Ancient DNASub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :053Time Status:Full-time Union:55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Basic Qualifications:

+ + Bachelor’s degree in the life sciences or equivalent work experience

• At least one year of prior hands-on research laboratory experience required

• Strong understanding of molecular biology principles

• Excellent fine motor skills

• Meticulous work habits – to include keeping a detailed and accurate lab notebook

• Ability to apply critical thinking to experiments and outcomes

• Strong ability to multitask

• Excellent written, documentation and oral communication skills

• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

+ + Familiarity with genomics (library preparation and sequencing) and sterile techniques

• Previous work in an Ancient DNA laboratory

• Skilled at trouble-shooting experiments

• Familiarity with genetics and next-generation sequencing, Medical Diagnostics or microarray fabrication (either in academia or industry)

• Familiarity with Cell Culture, including training in sterile techniques

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.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements (https://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/) . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

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

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.

• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.

• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, incredibly affordable classes directly at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.

• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.

• Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complementary health services.

• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

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

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

Department:GeneticsPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule:40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pmJob Function:Research Position Description:

Under the direction of the PI and senior scientists, the Laboratory Technician will be responsible for all aspects of analyzing ancient human DNA data.

Using established protocols and technical procedures and working as part of a team of up to six technicians all rotating into and out of the same set of activities, the person who fills this position will be trained in and will perform diverse tasks.

Working in a dedicated clean room, the Lab Technician will prepare powder from human skeletal remains, will extract DNA from the powder, and will prepare libraries for sequencing.

Outside of the clean room, the Lab Technician will perform enrichment of the libraries for positions of the human genome of scientific interest, will prepare the enriched libraries for sequencing, and will perform analysis and quality control of the data.

The Lab Technician will also participate in weekly meetings as an equal member of the team.

This position is ideal for candidates who have finished college or a master’s degree and are interested in ancient DNA and anthropology. It is a unique opportunity for interacting in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment and to be trained in a variety of experimental approaches. Direct training by other Lab Technicians and by the Lab Director will be provided.

Responsibilities include:

• Sample preparation in a clean room environment to prepare for DNA extraction

• Extracting of DNA and preparation of Next Generation sequencing libraries in a clean room environment

• Amplification of DNA, cleanup, and enrichment of libraries

• Working with liquid-handling robots

• Keeping a meticulous record of experiments and analyses in a lab book and database

• Decontaminating equipment and work surfaces after every experiment

• Cleaning the clean rooms and equipment on a regular basis

• Frequent discussions with laboratory colleagues working on ancient DNA

• Occasional sample preparation in a non-cleanroom environment such as a museum

• Preparing, ordering, and maintaining stocks of necessary consumables

• Documenting, compiling, and analyzing experimental data

• Updating supervisors by presenting oral and written reports

• Reading relevant scientific literature

• Working well in a team of research technicians with identical duties

School/Unit:Harvard Medical School 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.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, such as bleach, but will not involve exposure to radiation.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, 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-statement-community-values)