Research Assistant II – DNA Imaging

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Wyss Institute at Harvard University?

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, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

Job Description

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:

As a Research Assistant within the Yin Lab at the Wyss Institute, you will play a vital role in advancing our DNA imaging projects. We have developed an innovative pipeline that utilizes DNA barcoding for rapid, high-throughput sequential imaging across various tissue modalities. Reporting to the project leads, you will be an essential part of our research team, contributing to key studies involving the development of DNA-barcoded molecular probes and biomarker detections at the sub-cellular level. This role will also involve closely collaborating on the continuous improvement of our high-throughput biomolecular imaging techniques.

What you'll do:

• Maintain long-term mammalian cell cultures of immortalized cell lines with guidance from senior staff
• Perform antibody purification and validation under the supervision of senior staff
• Perform Immuno-fluorescence in tissue and cells under the supervision of senior staff
• Assist in developing and optimizing new experimental protocols under the supervision of the project leads
• Order supplies and perform support activities and lab maintenance
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols and help maintain a high level of organizational efficiency within the lab.

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• College background in Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry or related field required 
• At least 1 year of experience performing long-term mammalian cell culture and standard molecular biology techniques is required. Education may count towards years of experience

Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, or Biochemistry strongly preferred
• Prior experience with immunofluorescence in FFPE section and fresh frozen tissue 
• Prior experience with fluorescence microscopy is strongly preferred 
• Familiarity with python, R or similar programming language is advantageous, but not required 
• Highly effective organizational and communication skills are essential

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

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