Research Associate Giannobile Lab

Overview

The Giannobile Laboratory within the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine is currently seeking a Research Associate to join its research team.

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will provide essential laboratory support for ongoing research projects involving in vitro and in vivo models and fundamental cell and molecular biology techniques. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in conducting supervised research, possess strong communication skills, be self‑motivated, maintain a high degree of integrity, and demonstrate a willingness and ability to acquire new technical skills.

Additionally, experience coordinating clinical research projects is preferable, as the role may include project management responsibilities such as the development and oversight of study protocols, managing regulatory submissions, facilitating IRB communications, tracking project milestones and budgets, and supporting training and data collection activities at multiple study sites. Strong organizational skills, capacity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards are essential to successfully support the translational aspects of this research.

• Assist with in vivo experiments using small animal models for preclinical studies.
• Design, execute, and ensure compliance with in vitro and in vivo study protocols; analyze and interpret experimental procedures and results from approved protocols.
• Independently perform laboratory techniques including:
• Preparation of RNA and DNA samples
• ELISA, western blotting, and RT‑PCR analyses
• Skeletal dissection and histological sample preparation
• Immunohistochemistry and serum collection
• 3‑D image analysis
• Assist with overall project planning and coordination, including managing budgets and timelines, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting IRB reporting.
• Contribute to project communications such as website updates and meeting agendas for investigators.
• Support the investigative team with online survey development and data management in collaboration with the project statistician.
• Assist in staff training and oversee activities at study sites as needed.
• Support day‑to‑day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, monitoring supply levels, and ensuring compliance with biosafety and laboratory safety standards.

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or related discipline). Advanced coursework or training in laboratory techniques preferred.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong commitment to research integrity and safety standards.
• Knowledge of regulations/guidance governing clinical research required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and internet applications.
• Experience in preclinical research protocols.
• Demonstrated competency in molecular biology and tissue analysis techniques.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check at hire.

• Experience working with Institutional Review Boards for human clinical studies including protocol generation, continuing review, enrollment tracking, and completion of required forms (consent, adverse event, etc.).
• Experience with data entry.
• Experience with participant recruitment.
• Experience with clinical studies involving medical devices, biologics, or drugs is preferred.
• Experience with tissue processing and preparation of the samples for uCT evaluation.
• Experience in laboratory operations or lab management, including equipment oversight, safety compliance, and supply coordination, is strongly preferred.
• Strong customer service skills. The coordinator will work with multiple PIs simultaneously with many competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and composure when interacting with various…