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Research Engineer

Employer
Harvard University, Faculty of Arts & Sciences
Location
Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Salary
Competitive Salary
Date posted
Sep 2, 2024
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Job Details

Job Summary

In the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, we research and teach how the collective behavior of molecules and cells forms the basis of life. We are driven by a passion for discovery and value collaborative approaches to scientific inquiry, where connections between people fuel interdisciplinary science and break boundaries across varied experimental systems. Against a backdrop of cutting-edge biological research, we work as a team of educators and mentors to inspire and train the next generation of scientists and global citizens.

The Lichtman Lab is in need of a skilled professional to lead the development and operation of a high vacuum, robotic, gas cluster ion-beam mill coupled with an electron microscope. The mill will be used to “trim” neural tissue as part of a massive brain imaging project involving investigators from Harvard, Princeton, MIT, Allen Institute, and Google. The position is supported for the next 4 years by a grant with the goal of imaging an unprecedented 10 cubic millimeters of mouse brain at 10 nm resolution. While the system assembly is already ongoing, thanks to the Neurotechnology Core Facility at Harvard’s Center for Brain Science, an engineer is needed to finalize the assembly, troubleshoot problems, integrate the system with the electron microscope, optimize the milling parameters, and ultimately operate the device and the data acquisition pipeline. The hire will work alongside other scientists at Harvard and the Neurotechnology Core Facility and will have their full intellectual support. This person will report directly to Principal Investigator and Dean of Science, Dr. Jeff Lichtman.

Auto req ID

66745BR

Job Code

398057 Technical Manager

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Research Engineer

Sub-Unit

Sciences

Salary Grade

057

Time Status

Full-time

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Biology or related field and one year of relevant work experience; or
  • A minimum of five years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience in mechanical assembly, instrumentation design, and optimization
Additional Qualifications and Skills
  • Master’s degree or Ph.D in Engineering, Physics, Biology or related field preferred
  • Capable of organized, goal motivated output
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Track record in instrumentation design, assembly or repair
  • Experience with high vacuum systems- scroll and turbo pumps, seals, gauges and leak detection
  • Proficiency in CAD
  • Ability to program, including experience with LabView
  • Experience with electron microscopy
  • Experience with electronics, microcontrollers and robotics
  • Must possess excellent problem-solving skills
Additional Information

All formal written offer letters will be made by FAS HR.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Department

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

35 hours per week

Job Function

Technical

Position Description

Technical Support
  • Finalize the assembly of a gas cluster ion-beam mill
  • Optimize operating parameters, establish standard operating procedures
  • Integrate this system with the electron microscope, enable automated imaging of large volumes of neural tissue
  • Identify and troubleshoot any issues with this piece of machinery and oversee maintenance of the device
  • Operate the data acquisition pipeline, manage imaging schedules
Team Member/Collaborator Support
  • Participate in group meetings and discussions, providing subject matter expertise to the design, training, quality assurance, and developmental activities of the ion beam cluster mill and electron microscope
  • Provide training to researchers, faculty, and students to advance their knowledge of the equipment and best practices
  • Collaborate with lab members and partner institutions, making recommendations on the development and operating procedures
  • Assist with monitoring of laboratory safety compliance and ensure compliance with University policies, procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations
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.

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.

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.
Work Format

On-Site

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)



Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.

Company

Harvard FAS

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s PhD. programs (the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872). The 40 academic departments and more than 30 centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

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