Harvard University
Healthcare
ResearchAssistant
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“Research Assistant at Harvard University. Skills: neuroscience, genomics, molecular biology. The Research Assistant will support research in the Greenberg lab, focusing on how neuronal activity and circulating glucocorticoids shape nervous system development and plasticity. Responsibilities include performing a range of neuroscience and molecular techniques such as stereotactic surgery, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, behavior, cloning, qPCR, Western blotting, and advanced genomics appro”
What You'll Achieve.
The project aims to better understand the fundamental mechanisms gating neuronal plasticity, potentially leading to therapeutic strategies for human disorders. The role is designed to prepare research assistants for matriculation in competitive PhD programs.
Industry & Context.
This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension. May be required to work with hazardous materials and lift/move laboratory equipment. Members from groups underrepresented in STEM are especially encouraged to apply.
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
A college background or equivalent experience, preferably in a related discipline, with at least one year of related work experience (relevant coursework may count towards experience).
Nice to Have
Experience working with mice or human cell culture models is preferred. Prior research experience is desirable. Demonstrated abilities in laboratory techniques such as cloning, PCR, library preparation, next generation sequencing, flow cytometry, imaging, tissue culture, and protein purification are helpful, although training will be provided. Candidates with curiosity, work ethic, motivation, clear organization, notetaking skills, ability to learn new techniques, and an excellent college track record are most important.
What You'll Do.
The Research Assistant will support research in the Greenberg lab, focusing on how neuronal activity and circulating glucocorticoids shape nervous system development and plasticity.
Responsibilities include performing a range of neuroscience and molecular techniques such as stereotactic surgery, immunohistochemistry, confocal imaging, behavior, cloning, qPCR, Western blotting, and advanced genomics approaches like RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, and single-nucleus RNA-seq.
The role also involves processing and analyzing large genomic datasets using command-line tools and R.
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
The research assistant will be directly mentored by a postdoctoral fellow and will also meet regularly with Professor Michael Greenberg. They will benefit from the rich environment of postdocs, graduate students, and other scientists in the Greenberg Lab.
Communication Scope
appropriate communications skills
Full Job Description
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 Greenberg lab at Harvard Medical School examines how neuronal activity shapes the maturation and plasticity of the nervous system. Sensory experience shapes the development of neural circuits during early-life windows of heightened plasticity, known as critical periods. While the key factors that drive critical period opening have been extensively characterized, the specific cues that restrain developmental plasticity as animals mature are less clear. For this project, we will characterize a new molecular pathway discovered in our laboratory by which circulating glucocorticoids act on glial cells in the brain to close critical periods of plasticity. We will further examine how early-life stress, which elevates glucocorticoid levels and increases susceptibility to many neuropsychiatric diseases, alters the timing of developmental plasticity to disrupt cognition, memory, and behavior. Collectively, this project will help us better understand the fundamental mechanisms gating neuronal plasticity, which may lead to the development of therapeutic strategies for treating human disorders. We are looking to hire a curious, motivated, highly organized res
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