Harvard University


Description:

09-Apr-2024

Research Assistant II - Animal Care

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

65426BR

Job Summary

About us:
The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the freedom of academia and the focus of industry to translate revolutionary technologies into commercial products and solutions. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information, visit: http://wyss.harvard.edu/

About you:
You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to supporting research that creates and commercializes novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You are energetic, enthusiastic, and have many talents that you enjoy leveraging to solve complex problems in a fast-paced, industry-focused environment. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and applying your expertise to help support teams creating innovations that can change the world.

About the role:
We are looking for a motivated Research Assistant II to contribute to a multidisciplinary portfolio of research projects involving procedures of health monitoring, injections, blood sampling, survival surgery, post-operative care, and behavioral studies relating to projects on the Synthetic Biology Platform.

Reporting to the Director of Veterinary Services in coordination with Principal Scientist on the Synthetic Biology Platform at the Wyss Institute, you will be responsible for overseeing study animals, daily rounds, and observations to check animal health status; adherence to protocols and techniques at the animal facility; and performing and documenting experimental observations in rodent species.

Position Description

What you’ll do:

• Execute rodent models and perform data analysis under the supervision of senior staff
• In collaboration with senior staff, provide technical support for the development and implementation of animal models and experimental procedures
• Assist in preparation of protocol applications to IACUC with supervision from senior staff
• Follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate records and documentation to comply with regulatory requirements
• Assist in managing the laboratory space by maintaining necessary supplies and equipment and interfacing with veterinary staff and research scientists
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Basic Qualifications

What you’ll need:

• College background in Biological Life Science or related area, or equivalent work experience in animal care is required.

• One or more years of hands-on experience with mouse models, surgical techniques or related experience is a must. Advanced education may count toward years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience with behavioral studies is strongly preferred.
• Experience handling rodents and familiarity with IACUC protocol operations is required.
• Must be flexible to working outside normal business hours routinely when needed. Some flexible evening or weekend hours required.
• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently or with minimum supervision on multiple projects across various therapeutic areas are required.
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group is essential.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and able to take initiative.
• Good communication skills are important.
• Must be familiar with or willing to learn normal rodent behavior and able to recognize clinical signs of illness.

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 15-30 pounds, and push and pull heavy equipment.
• Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7-hour shift and be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time.
• Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts, and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.

Additional Information

Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation.

This is a term position ending on August 15, 2025 with the possibility of renewal.

Harvard is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Why you’ll like working with us:

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard.Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay up to date on career information and the latest news from the Wyss Institute.

Work Format Details

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

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.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403112 Research Assistant II Lab

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

053

Department

Wyss Institute

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

As a collaborative organization, we at the Wyss Institute know that great innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems. As a result, we are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness both in and out of the lab. When recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you will bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. We believe these differences in background, experience, and perspective enrich our work environment and are essential to our mission of solving complex problems through technology development and translation.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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