Research Assistant IV Lab (Laboratory Coordinator)

20-Sep-2024

Research Assistant IV Lab (Laboratory Coordinator)

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

66820BR

Job Summary

The JBL Center for Radiation Sciences at Harvard School of Public Health is seeking an organized and dedicated Laboratory Coordinator to support faculty and researchers in our Center. Under minimal direction from JBL Center leadership, the individual fulfills a range of technical laboratory responsibilities - independently performs a variety of laboratory techniques, manages and coordinates use of shared laboratory resources among Center members and with outside collaborators. They also perform a range of administrative tasks on behalf of JBL leadership, coordinate JBL events, and work with outside vendors to maintain laboratory inventory and instrument maintenance. This role is expected to be 75% laboratory and 25% administrative. Ideally, the individual would also be able to assist with mouse colony maintenance.

The position requires self-motivation, excellent organization and communication skills, as well as prioritization of important tasks and seeing them to completion. Familiarity with flow cytometry, experience in a lab coordinator role, and competence with basic laboratory techniques in molecular and cell biology with at least 1 year of experience are required. Experience with animal handling, radiation sources, protein purification and mammalian cell culture, are highly desired.

The individual will work in a high-paced environment and will have opportunities to make significant contributions to research projects, potentially resulting in co-authored publications.
 

Position Description

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Maintains laboratory inventory; organizes and orders supplies, instruments and software licenses as needed; communicates with vendors regarding quotations, instrument service and repair; creates purchase requistions and records received orders in system for payment
• Regularly carries out and trains others in routine laboratory techniques including basic DNA and protein isolation, preparation of buffers and media, identifying and correcting potential laboratory safety issues. Carries out basic experiments in support of ongoing research projects
• Organizes laboratory resources including freezers and research areas
• Ensures safe and sustainable operation of an Attune NxT flow cytometer by taking responsibility for preventive maintenance, routine startup and shutdown procedures, and troubleshooting instrument issues with support from the manufacturer as needed. Regularly trains others in best practices for using highly sensitive instruments
• Performs routine administrative tasks including coordinating events and visitor itineraries, managing JBL faculty calendars, preparing and editing written communications, processing reimbursements, working with faculty and administrators to arrange for new incoming personnel; onboarding and orientation of new Center members, ensuring proper procedures are followed for departing personnel
• Coordinates JBL pilot grant proposal solicitation and review
• Manages lab operations including maintaining and amending IACUC, IRB and COMS approvals; coordinates access to and training on shared equipment (microscopes, cytometers, irradiators); maintains lab organization and coordinates annual lab cleanups; serves as safety officer and emergency contact for freezers; maintains mouse colonies; coordinates with collaborators to ship or receive research materials; performs recurring laboratory tasks
• Management of the maintenance of our mouse colony is strongly preferred but not required
• Performs other duties as assigned

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from date of hire with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: Finalists will be required to pass an occupational health screening.

Basic Qualifications

• 4+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Biology
• Basic molecular and cell biology techniques, 1 year laboratory experience, familiarity with flow cytometry
• AALAS Certification, Authorship on research publications, CITI Training (can be performed once starting position)
• Experience with radiation sources; experience coordinating events
   

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Additional Information

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers. 

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403125 Research Assistant IV (Lab)

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

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Salary Grade

055

Department

Environmental Health - JBL Center for Radiation Sciences

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

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.

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