Research Assistant Position with the Canine Brains Project at Harvard University
Application Link
Job Summary
The Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University invites applications for a research assistant in the Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory, directed by Dr. Erin Hecht, Assistant Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology.
The focus of the position is to provide day-to-day support in a neurohistology/neuroimaging laboratory. Duties include assisting microtome sectioning, running immunohistochemistry and basic histology stains, cataloguing and organizing specimens and digital data, maintaining inventory of supplies and reagents, scheduling neuroimaging scans and assisting with human and canine volunteers during scanning, and training and supervising students.
The research will take place in the Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory directed by Dr. Erin Hecht and located in the Peabody Museum on Harvard's Cambridge, Massachusetts campus.
Position Description
Broadly, the Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory studies how brains change in response to selection pressure on behavior, and how brains acquire heritable adaptations for complex, learned behaviors. Comparisons between modern humans and our living primate relatives provide a way to address this question in the context of our own evolutionary history. In addition, the lab investigates general mechanisms of brain-behavior evolution by studying ""unnatural selection"" in intentionally-bred animals, including domestic dogs and foxes. The lab uses a variety of experimental and computational tools, such as structural and functional neuroimaging, histology and digital microscopy, and behavior analysis.
Basic Qualifications
College background and one year of related work experience.Relevant coursework may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Bachelor's degree or graduate degree in Psychology, Biology or a related field strongly preferred.Familiarity with basic wet lab procedures, microscopy, and histological procedures, including microtome sectioning and immunohistochemistry, strongly preferred.
Certificates and Licenses
N/A
Physical Requirements
Must be able to physically handle and process tissue samples and operate a computer and microscope.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a combined office and laboratory environment.
Additional Information
This is a one-year term position, with the possibility of renewal, dependent upon adequate funding and satisfactory performance. The lab's website is: https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/evolutionaryneurosciencelab/home.We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position. All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.
Work Format Details
This position is a hybrid role based primarily on-campus, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Benefits
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.
Contact
Dr. Erin Hecht