65843BRAuto req ID:65843BRJob Code:403112 Research Assistant II Lab Department Office Location:USA - MA - Boston Business Title:Research Assistant II – Brain Organoid EngineeringSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :053Time Status:Full-time Union:55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Basic Qualifications:What you'll need:

• College background in cell biology, biomedicine or related fields required.

• At least 1 year of experience performing and analyzing data from microelectrode array-based experiments or calcium detection/analysis, experience using molecular biology (ELISA, PCR, Plasmid and RNAseq library preparation) and biochemical assays (Western blot, Immunohistology, immunofluorescence microscopy, FACS assays), and experience with culturing induced pluripotent stem cell lines as well as neural organoids. Education may count towards years of experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Science such as Molecular Biology, Immunology, or equivalent professional experience preferred.

• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft software packages is essential. Basic skills using MATLAB, Python, or R are preferred.

• Strong organizational and communication skills to aid in interaction with multidisciplinary groups of biologists, engineers and technology innovators. Ability to work in cell culture laboratory environments.

Additional Information:

This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal

Why you’ll like working with us:

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

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Department:Wyss InstitutePre-Employment Screening:Identity Schedule:Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pmJob Function:Research Position Description:What you'll do:

• Maintain different induced pluripotent stem cell lines and perform quality control assays with supervision from senior staff

• Under the supervision of senior staff, seed and differentiate into different brain organoids and other cell types of the central nervous system

• Perform and work with team members to help to improve different neuronal activity assays such as calcium imaging and microelectrode assays.

• Assist in data analysis derived from microelectrode and imaging assays with supervision from senior staff.

• Assist in molecular biology and biochemistry workflows including plasmid cloning, library preparations for RNAseq, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS),and Western Blotting

• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols and write/update standard operating procedures

• Collaborate with other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions to provide project support as needed.

• Demonstrate a commitment to the Wyss Institute’s community values of courage, collaboration, innovation, impact, diversity, and respect through actions, interactions, and communications with others

School/Unit:Wyss Institute at Harvard University 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.Job Summary:

About us:

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information discover our technologies (https://wyss.harvard.edu/technologies/) , catch up on our recent news (https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/) , or watch our latest videos (https://wyss.harvard.edu/multimedia/) .

About you:

You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial-minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations, and administrative professionals. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for research assistant to join the CircaVent team in Dr. George Church’s laboratory. CircaVent combines computational drug prediction with human brain organoids to identify drugs that could treat the underlying causes of bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions. We are using different organoid models of the brain for screening novel treatments and we hope to gain better insights on alternative treatment strategies for mood disorders. For more information, visit: https://wyss.harvard.edu/event/circavent-a-new-platform-for-bipolar-disorder-drug-discovery/

Reporting to the Senior Staff Scientist and Director, you will support these studies, learn cutting edge in vitro and stem cell techniques, and contribute to developing new protocols for downstream analysis. This includes adaptation of neural organoid cultures to microelectrode arrays and high content imaging. The ideal candidate is comfortable learning and doing different types of tasks within the same week, has had diverse research experiences, and works well within a team.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:As a collaborative organization, we at the Wyss Institute know that great innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems. As a result, we are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness both in and out of the lab. When recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you will bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. We believe these differences in background, experience, and perspective enrich our work environment and are essential to our mission of solving complex problems through technology development and translationBenefits: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-EC1Work Format Details:This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.