Research Assistant IV

Job Summary

A research assistant to work in the Engert lab in furthering the research in our U19 grant. The research assistant will work on further elucidating the role of visual information in critical behaviors such as OMR and phototaxis with a focus on the different visual information channels that enter the brain from the retina. In parallel, the person in this position will work in developing viral tracing as a technological tool for the larval zebrafish.

This person will collaborate with postdocs and graduate students in the lab. The person in this position will also train interns working in the lab as needed.

Auto req ID

59324BR

Job Code

403125 Research Assistant IV (Lab)

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Research Assistant IV

Sub-Unit

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

Salary Grade

055

Time Status

Full-time

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Basic Qualifications

College degree in a related discipline is required, and three or more years directly related work experience is required, specifically with Zebrafish.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Ability to plan and carry out experiments and think critically about the larger goal. Experience in studying how the visual information enters the brain from the retina.

Department

Center for Brain Science

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

35 hours a week
Some travel to conferences to present results of research

Job Function

Research

Position Description

Carry out research in order to elucidate the role of visual information in critical behaviors. The person in this position will work in using Vesicular Stomatitis Virus as an anterograde and retrograde transsynaptic tracing tool, which can be used for a variety of lab applications in the larger context of our U19 grant.

Collaborates with other lab members in designing a transsynaptic tracing tool that has very specific qualities. It must:

• be able to be used for any specific cell population and can be (genetically) targeted

• be monosynaptic

• have no bias in and no omission of synaptic spreading

• be able to work across different species

• be able to identify synapse polarity (pre= axon vs post= dendrite)

• be able to identify the cell body as well as synapses

• be able for use for anterograde/retrograde (choose one/both simultaneously)

• show no toxicity/allow for turning off the virus

be able to be paired with functional characterization/ EM

Works with our U19 collaborators, specifically Connie Cepko's lab, in developing the transsynaptic tracing tool using zebrafish larvae in parallel with mice from the Cepko lab.

Process, organize, summarize, and analyze data from the research carried out and present such data in group meetings, as well as at various conferences and collaboration meetings, as required.

Assist with maintenance of the zebra fish lines. Generate and catalog variants of VSV that are less toxic by using mutant alleles of the VSV gene. Order lab chemicals and supplies as needed.

Trains and oversees the work of undergraduate students who carry out internships in our lab in the context of the U19 project

School/Unit

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

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.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and lab settings

Expect 5% of travel to conferences to present research results.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ .

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.