Research Assistant I

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 Harvard Medical School?Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine. The Fishell Laboratory in the Department of Neurobiology at the Harvard Medical School is in search of a Research Assistant. The successful candidate will advance the doctoral research of one of the Lab's Research Fellows on developmental plasticity of Myh8+ somatostatin (SST) interneuron synaptic connectivity with cortical pyramidal neurons, while contributing to the broader operations and scientific program of the laboratory under the coordination of lab manager.Primary Project Support: Advance the experimental pipeline for current Research Fellow’s doctoral project characterizing the developmental plasticity of the Myh8+ subclass of somatostatin (SST) interneurons and their synaptic integration with cortical pyramidal neurons. Specific duties include:Mouse colony management for Cre, reporter, and intersectional lines relevant to the Myh8+ SST population.Perfusion, tissue processing, cryosectioning, and immunohistochemistry.Confocal and high-resolution imaging, followed by quantitative image analysis of synaptic and morphological features.Assisting with stereotaxic viral infections, in situ hybridization (HCR/RNAscope), and preparations for ex vivo electrophysiology as needed.Maintaining rigorous electronic lab notebook records and contributing to figure preparation and data summaries.General Laboratory Support: Support broader laboratory operations under lab manager, including:Shared reagent preparation, ordering, and inventory.Genotyping pipeline and mouse husbandry oversight.Equipment maintenance and onboarding of new lab members. Basic Qualifications: College background or equivalent experience, preferably in biology, neuroscience, biochemistry or a related discipline. At least one-year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience). Additional Qualifications and Skills: Bachelors degree in biology, neuroscience, or biochemistry or related field preffered.Previous research experience preferred. Term: 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. Standard Hour...