Research Assistant I

About the role

The Nyerges Lab at Harvard Medical School, Department of Genetics, is seeking a Research Assistant to join a newly established, independent research group working at the interface of bacterial genome engineering, directed evolution, and biomedical applications.

Responsibilities

• Execute experiments in bacterial genetics and directed evolution
• Perform molecular cloning, PCR, plasmid and reagent preparation, and standard E. coli genetic manipulations
• Prepare RNA-seq and DNA sequencing libraries for both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms
• Prepare purified protein samples for LC-MS/MS analysis
• Analyze the resulting transcriptomic and genomic datasets using standard bioinformatics tools
• Contribute to downstream characterization of engineered strains in both in vitro and in vivo experiments
• Maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records
• Contribute to the development of new experimental methods
• Present results at internal group meetings
• Have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications reporting the resulting work
• Absorb other lab members' daily duties, including reagent preparation, general lab maintenance, and inventory documentation
• Execute experiments under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator

Requirements

At least one year of related work experience in a molecular biology laboratory (relevant coursework may count toward experience).

College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.

A Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.

Preference will be given to candidates with two or more years of hands-on wet-lab experience in molecular biology and microbiology, and a demonstrated record of careful, reproducible experimental work.

Skills

• Prior hands-on experience with RNA work (including RNA extraction, quality control, and handling under RNase-free conditions)
• Demonstrated experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation (RNA-seq strongly preferred; DNA/amplicon library preparation for Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing is also expected)
• Genetic manipulation of E. coli or related bacterial species (DNA transformation, plasmid extraction, PCR, molecular cloning)
• Standard microbiological techniques are required
• Viewed Favorably: Prior experience with in vivo rodent studies and associated sample processing, bacteriophage biology, LC-MS/MS sample preparation, directed evolution, DNA sequence analysis and design (Geneious, Breseq), and programming skills (R, Python)

Qualifications

• Basic Qualifications: At least one year of related work experience in a molecular biology laboratory (relevant coursework may count toward experience).
• Additional Qualifications and Skills: A Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Essential Skills (strongly preferred): Prior hands-on experience with RNA work (including RNA extraction, quality control, and handling under RNase-free conditions) and demonstrated experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparation (RNA-seq strongly preferred; DNA/amplicon library preparation for Illumina and/or Oxford Nanopore sequencing is also expected). Genetic manipulation of E. coli or related bacterial species (DNA transformation, plasmid extraction, PCR, molecular cloning) and standard microbiological techniques are required.
• Viewed Favorably: Prior experience with in vivo rodent studies and associated sample processing, bacteriophage biology, LC-MS/MS sample preparation, directed evolution, DNA sequence analysis and design (Geneious, Breseq), and programming skills (R, Python).

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Pay

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.

Schedule

35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm