The Basan lab is located in the Department of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School and is searching for a Research Assistant to help with several ongoing projects. A strong work ethic and the willingness to learn new skills and to work in a team are essential. The candidate should enjoy working in close collaboration with postdocs in our lab. The willingness to learn how to work with different experimental systems, including bacteria, cell lines and flies is required. Tasks will include making genetic constructs in bacteria and flies, bacterial culture, tissue culture, fly husbandry, breeding, dissection and microscopy, as well as screens. After the appropriate safety training, the candidate should be willing to work in a BSL-2 lab environment. Previous experience with any of the techniques mentioned above is a plus, but it is not required. We consider strong motivation, as well as a willingness to learn and also to work in a team as more important. In general, we are looking for creative, open-minded individuals, interested in venturing off the beaten track and possessing the determination to bring their ideas to fruition. Fundamental biological questions that we are interested in include the role of metabolic strategies during growth and adaptation, tradeoffs between competing evolutionary objectives of microorganisms and how cells achieve homeostasis of cell size, cell number and cellular composition. More recently, our lab has also become interested in developing antibiotics and novel strategies to counter the growing threat from antibiotic resistance and tolerance of bacterial infections. In our lab, we address these challenges using a variety of experimental systems, including various bacterial species, cell lines and Drosophila melanogaster. Our approach relies on the close coordination and mutual feedback between experimental and theoretical efforts and we combine careful characterization of physiology with genetic perturbations, omics technology and theoretical models. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be involved in all of these different exciting lines of research and to gain hands-on experience with diverse experimental approaches.
This is a one-year term position from date of hire, contingent upon work performance and continued funding for the position.
Offer contingent upon successful completion of the pre-placement medical evaluation.
Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:
Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 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, $40 per class 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.
Salary Grade: 053
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers | 
