The Department of Molecular Metabolism (MET) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (SPH) conducts pioneering research into the causes of underlying complex human disorders. Our studies aim to transform our understanding of wellness and disease and will help us develop novel approaches to address the major challenges to global public health. Learn more about MET and their research here: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/molecular-metabolism/

We are seeking a Research Assistant to work with the Kory and Ubellacker labs in the Department of Molecular Metabolism at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Both the Kory and Ubellacker labs are new and dynamic labs in the department of Molecular Metabolism tackling exciting challenges in cancer metastasis, molecular metabolism, cell biology, human physiology, cancer metabolism and aging and age-related diseases.

The lab of Dr. Nora Kory studies compartmentalization of metabolism and mitochondrial transport using a combination of techniques including functional genomics (CRISPR screens), metabolomics, imaging, and cell biology and biochemistry methods. Ultimately, the lab hopes to uncover how alterations in mitochondrial transport support a cell’s adaptation to changing environments with the long-term goals of identifying ways to prevent or delay the onset of aging and age-related diseases.
More information can be found on the lab’s website: www.kory-lab.com

The lab of Dr. Jessalyn Ubellacker investigates ways to target metabolic changes in metastasizing cancer cells, with a focus on exploiting the lipidomic dependencies of cancer cells in the lymphatic niche. We are working to discover mechanisms that explain how lipid availability in the tumor microenvironment promotes cancer cell dissemination, colonization at distant organs, and the awakening of dormant cancer cells. We employ human and animal models of melanoma, breast, and prostate cancers with genomics, metabolomics, lipidomics to identify and target novel programs of lipid metabolism required for metastasis. We aspire to capitalize on these connections between cancer cells and the lipid microenvironment to reduce cancer progression, thus addressing a significant unmet clinical need for effective therapies to treat and prevent the spread of metastatic cancers.
Learn more about the Ubellacker Lab here: https://ubellackerlab.com/

The Research Assistant will be shared between both labs, working closely with Dr. Kory and Dr. Ubellacker, and hold integral roles within the labs – not only taking on the administrative duties involved in running the labs but also supporting and participating in the science. In addition, duties will involve manage the clinical trial portfolio for the Ubellacker lab, including performing routine logging and metabolomic analyses of samples as part of an ongoing study to understand the role of the lymph node environment in breast cancer metastasis.

We are targeting someone highly organized, with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail. This is an opportunity to have a tremendous impact on the running of two labs – supporting and encouraging a positive work environment that fosters a strong and cohesive team. A successful candidate will be highly organized, with excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail.

This position supports and offers the potential for professional growth as well.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Administrative – 60%

• Coordinate all ordering of supplies and ensure adequate maintenance of research requirements
• Administer lab safety programs and train and monitor laboratory members as needed to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations
• Manage yearly regulatory review process with various governing bodies to ensure compliance
• Oversight of essential equipment and maintenance
• Supervise management of the laboratory plasmid and cell line inventories
• Coordinate lab orientation of all new lab members and training on a variety of laboratory procedures
• Act as a contact for lab matters and work closely with department and central School staff on behalf of lab (e.g., operations, IT, research administration, and department administrators, IACUC, and EHS).
• Attend department and School meetings on behalf of the lab as needed (e.g., regular lab management meetings)
• Assist in maintenance of animal protocols, recording animal ordering/usage
• Along with other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator, the candidate will serve as a resource for both students and staff for a variety of issues.

Research – 40%

• Work efficiently and cooperatively with a team of researchers in support of projects
• Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions
• Search out, read, discuss and apply relevant scientific literature
• Assist other scientists as required

The Research Assistant will perform other duties as assigned.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term end date of one year from the date of hire with the possibility for extension.

PLEASE NOTE: The finalist will be required to pass an occupational health screening.

PLEASE NOTE: This position is primarily on-campus and this position will be based in Boston, MA. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

• 4+ years of relevant experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology or related field
• Masters degree strongly preferred
• Prior experience working with animal models a strong plus
• Knowledge of standard safety regulations and appropriate laboratory practices applying to research in biology and biochemistry
• Demonstrated experience engaging others effectively in learning and applying appropriate practices
• Knowledge of computer and MS office software, as well as Mac software
• Candidate must be self-motivated, energetic and able to work in a diverse laboratory environment
• Excellent organizational, communication, computer and record-keeping skills

The following cultural competencies are also preferred:

• Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
• Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
• Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events - and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

Research

USA - MA - Boston

403116 Research Assistant III Lab

Molecular Metabolism

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Full-time

054

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Criminal, Identity

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.

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.