Research Assistant I Non-Lab

Job Summary

The research assistant for the Evolutionary Neuroscience Lab located within the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University will assist with collection and analysis of human, primate, and/or canine neuroimaging data. The lab studies how selection has shaped the brains and behaviors of different species. This position would involve contributing to studies of comparative neuroscience related to the evolution of behavioral adaptations like language, tool use, and other learned skills. The research assistant will work with a team of lab members to preprocess and analyze structural MRI data, diffusion MRI data, and resting state functional MRI data. The research assistant will also assist with training students on these tasks. Participation in behavioral and/or neurohistology studies is also possible, but not required.

Auto req ID

67613BR

Job Code

403109 Research Assistant I Non-Lab

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Business Title

Research Assistant I Non-Lab

Sub-Unit

Sciences

Salary Grade

052

Time Status

Full-time

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Basic Qualifications

At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of research populations and/or techniques helpful, but not required. Knowledge of basic research methods and statistical techniques preferred.
• Strong organizational abilities, excellent attention to detail.
• Effective professional communication skills for the purposes of coordinating with research team. members; must be able to work in a team with students and staff of varying skill backgrounds
• Prior experience with neuroimaging preprocessing/analysis.
• Prior experience with scripting and/or parallel computing.
• Willingness to learn new skills and to guide students in learning how to carry out neuroimaging preprocessing and analysis.
• An interest in evolutionary or comparative neuroscience.
• Familiarity with FSL, SBM, ANTS, and/or other neuroimaging analysis tools.

Additional Information

This is a five month term position, with a targeted start date of February 1, 2025.

Department

Human Evolutionary Biology

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

35 hours per week

Job Function

Research

Position Description

• Following established protocols, collects project data, acquiring it through observation, structured interviews, library research, data processing methods, or other research methods.
• May perform related laboratory maintenance such as Preparing and executing preprocessing pipelines, including quality control.
• Processes, organizes and summarizes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, word processing, spreadsheet or statistical software applications or program platforms. Examples include executing neuroimaging analyses such as gray matter morphometry, white matter microstructure, diffusion connectivity, functional connectivity, and/or others.
• The research assistant will have the opportunity to attend lab meetings, contribute to research discussions, and participate in the general lab community.
• Other duties as required.

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.

Physical Requirements

May be required to lift, move and transport related research equipment (25lbs)

Working Conditions

Location: In-person, with some flexibility for hybrid scheduling

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

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)



Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.