Job Description

Position Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent individual for a full-time research technician position in Dr. Bernardo Sabatini’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School. The research technician will work primarily with Dr. Byungwoo Kang, a postdoctoral fellow, to investigate the evolution of brain-wide neural interactions during learning. We use mice as a model to study how neural representations of choice and multi-regional interactions supporting them change during learning of a variety of cognitive behaviors. We use a wide range of techniques including two-photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, cell type-specific neural activity recording, viral tracing, pharmacology, electrophysiology to tackle this question.
The technician’s responsibilities include performing behavioral training, stereotaxic surgery, perfusion, dissection and slicing, RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, mouse colony management, imaging acquisition, and data analysis.
The technician will participate in weekly lab meetings and fulfill lab responsibilities. The technician will learn and perform experiments with Dr. Byungwoo Kang and meet with him weekly to discuss experimental planning and data interpretation.
Prior laboratory experience is required, as well as strong organizational skills and an eagerness to learn. Successful candidates will be independent, outgoing, flexible, self-motivated, and able to assimilate new information and execute quickly. You will have the opportunity to direct the research project while taking advantage of the intelligent, diverse, welcoming, and exciting team of researchers at the Sabatini lab.

Basic Qualifications

One-year related lab experience. Advanced education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree with prior experience in a wet lab environment. A major in Neuroscience, or a biology-related subject is preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills are required.
• Experience in one or more of the following techniques would be preferred: mouse stereotaxic surgery, behavior, histological preparations and mouse colony management.
• Experience or willingness to work with mice as well as performing survival and non- survival procedures as necessary.
• Analytical skills to resolve problems that require the use of basic scientific, mathematical, or technical principles. Some experience with programming, using MATLAB and/or Python is preferred.
• Candidates should be communicative with excellent interpersonal skills, attentive to detail, organized, and thoughtful about the protocols and techniques being executed.
• Creativity, flexibility, and perseverance to troubleshoot and overcome inevitable experimental difficulties and changing experimental goals in light of new results.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.
This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston. 
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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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

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.

Harvard Medical School strives to cultivate an environment that promotes inclusiveness and collaboration among students, faculty and staff and to create new avenues for discussion that will advance our shared mission to improve the health of people throughout the world.