Research Assistant Lab

Company 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.

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world‑renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.

The mission of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to improve human health through better nutrition and lifestyle. The Department strives to accomplish this goal through research aimed at an increased understanding of how diet influences health at molecular and population levels, the development of nutritional strategies, informing policy, the education of researchers and practitioners, and the dissemination of nutrition information to health professionals and the public.

The Nutritional Biomarker Lab is a core facility within the Department of Nutrition, specializing in assays to measure a variety of physiologically‑relevant biomolecules. Fatty acids, antioxidants, and lipoproteins play significant roles in human health, and the quantification of these important molecules provide insights into metabolic and inflammatory processes that underpin a variety of pathologies.

• Perform solvent‑based extractions of fatty acids from human samples.
• Perform GC‑FID characterization of FA constituents.
• Analyze chromatographic data to measure relative levels of key FA’s and compile reports for review with the lab manager.
• Conduct routine GC maintenance, monitor consumables, and ensure efficient chromatography data analysis.
• Learn assessments of carotenoids/antioxidants and lipoproteins using HPLC‑based methods and immunoassays.
• Handle other lab‑related tasks as assigned.
• Operate and maintain GC‑FID, HPLC, chemical analyzers, and conduct ELISA assays.
• Integrate chromatograms, reduce data, and generate raw data forms for further evaluation.
• Review integrated data with lab manager, discuss operational performance and troubleshoot assays.
• Monitor lab supplies; stock and order supplies when necessary.
• Maintain lab equipment and perform general lab housekeeping such as inventory of samples and supplies.

PLEASE NOTE:

The schedule for this position is Monday‑Friday, 9AM‑5PM and some scheduling flexibility may be required.

• Must be able to sit and/or stand at lab bench for several hours at a time.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

• 1+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Experience in a laboratory setting.
• Proficiency with chemical lab instrumentation and wet lab experience.
• Basic lab skills such as solutions preparation, pipetting, and general lab safety techniques.
• Prior experience with chromatographic instrumentation, especially GC, HPLC, and ELISA, including data analysis.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Appointment End Date:
  One year from date of hire.
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week.
• Visa Sponsorship Information:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre‑Employment Screening:
  Identity, Criminal background checks.

• Generous paid time off including parental leave.
• Medical,…