Research Technician I – Liberles Lab

Harvard Medical School  •  Liberles Lab

Primary Work Address: HMS Department of Cell Biology, 240 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115

We currently have an opening for a Research Technician in the lab of Dr. Stephen Liberles at Harvard Medical School. Dr. 

Liberles’ lab studies sensory neuroscience of the vagus nerve – a major communication axis between the brain and body that helps monitor the physiological state of internal organs. Through genetic and molecular approaches, they look to investigate how the vagus nerve detects stretch of stomach and airways, changes in blood pressure, nutrients, and damage from toxins and pathogens – which is all information that the brain uses to generate perceptions of hunger and nausea, as well as to regulate vital functions like breathing and heart rate. More information on the work of the lab can be found on their website.

We are targeting curious, self-driven candidates who are passionate about basic scientific research. The successful candidate will perform independent research under the mentorship of a senior lab member, and this position will provide state-of-the-art research experience in sensory neuroscience, with the goal of providing preparatory training for graduate school. Prior research technicians from the lab have been co-authors on major scientific publications, and gained acceptance to graduate and/or medical programs at top institutions.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Work efficiently and cooperatively to assist Postdocs, Graduate Students, and other lab members with experiments
• Perform experiments in sensory neuroscience using state-of-the-art approaches, such as optogenetics, neuronal mapping, imaging, behavioral analysis, mouse genetics, histochemistry, and measurements of autonomic physiology
• Participate in laboratory meetings and read literature applicable to the research area
• Help with lab organization, including accurate documentation and recording/maintenance of large data files
• Assist with other support duties relating to lab management and operations as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology or related discipline
• A passion for neuroscience is strongly preferred
• Prior experience working in a research lab and comfort studying mouse behavior
• Self-motivated and able to perform complex tasks effectively and independently with general instruction
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member while engaged in collaborative studies
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Exemplary organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to follow instruction with an eagerness to learn, grow professionally, and be mentored
• Actively seeks opportunities to increase skills and expertise

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please click here to apply.