65567BRAuto req ID:65567BRJob Code:403108 Research Assistant I Lab Department Office Location:USA - MA - Boston Business Title:Research Assistant ISub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :052Time Status:Full-time Union:55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Basic Qualifications:College background and 1+ years of relevant experience.Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline, a passion for neuroscience, 1+ years of experience working in a research lab, and prior experience working with mice is strongly preferred.

• Self-motivated and able to perform complex tasks effectively and independently with general instruction.

• Ability to work both independently and as a team member while engaged in collaborative studies.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to follow instruction with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored.

• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise.

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.

Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.

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.

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

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

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Department:Cell BiologyPre-Employment Screening:Criminal, IdentitySchedule:35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

As this role involves interaction with animals, there is the chance for occasional night or weekend work, on a as needed basis.

Job Function:Research Position Description:We currently have an opening for a Research Assistant I in the lab of Dr. Stephen Liberles at Harvard Medical School. The work of Dr. Liberles’ lab is focused on understanding internal and external sensory systems - from identifying sensory receptors to charting neural circuits that orchestrate behavioral and physiological responses. One area of the lab focuses on the vagus nerve - a major communication axis between the brain and body that helps monitor and control the physiological state of internal organs. In other work, we study how the nervous system orchestrates vital physiological processes such as digestion, metabolism, and reproduction. Through genetic and molecular approaches, lab members look to investigate how neural circuits detect and respond to stimuli like stretch of stomach and airways, changes in blood pressure, nutrients, and the changes in body condition that occur throughout life.

We are targeting curious, self-driven candidates who are passionate about basic scientific research and understanding how behaviors adapt to physiological state and need. The successful candidate will be using molecular, genetic, and physiological approaches to study neuroscience in mice, and this is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to stay 2-3 years with the goal of providing preparatory training for graduate school. As this role involves interaction with animals, there is the chance for occasional night or weekend work, on a as needed basis. We seek to foster an inclusive and collegial environment and expect the successful candidate to be a good lab citizen and team player.

Responsibilities will include:

• Work efficiently and cooperatively to assist Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members with experiments.

• Perform experiments in sensory neuroscience using state-of-the-art approaches, such as optogenetics, neuronal mapping, imaging, behavioral analysis, mouse genetics, histochemistry, and measurements of autonomic physiology.

• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area.

• Help with lab organization, including accurate documentation and recording/maintenance of large data files.

• Assist with other support duties relating to lab management and operations as required.

• Assist, along with other lab members, in the maintenance of mouse breeding colony.

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.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)

https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statementBenefits: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.

Work Format:On-Site LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-RA1Work Format Details:This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person 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.