Description

001948SR


School/Unit Harvard Medical School
Department Neurobiology
Job Function Research
Location Boston
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 053
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Term Appointment Yes


Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You'll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

Job Description

The Ponce Lab at Harvard Medical School invites applications for a research assistant. Our group investigates how populations of neurons in the primate visual cortex represent and transform visual information. We combine large-scale electrophysiology, behavioral tracking of animals (non-human primates), and deep learning to discover the principles underlying cortical computation. We are seeking highly motivated research assistant who are deeply excited about vision-grounded neuroscience. Current projects include developing generative and predictive models of cortical responses, studying how psychoactive compounds alter visual processing, and linking neural data with high-resolution behavioral tracking. The ideal candidate will enjoy working with non-human primates and assist with new studies in visual neurophysiology and behavior.

Under the supervision of the PI, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Assists with physical exams, blood draws, and other surgical procedures with non-human primates;
• Conducts behavioral experiments and data acquisition;
• Completes data entry, validation, and quality control;
• Handles animal husbandry;
• Performs general laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies;
• May process orders, invoices, other reports, and other administrative tasks, as needed;
• Other related duties as necessary.

As part of your application, we recommend including a curriculum vitae, brief summary of research or technical experience and a cover letter that will help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the Ponce lab.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• College background in the biological sciences or related discipline and 1-2+ years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Prior research experience with non-human primates.
• High level of organization with attention to details, and comfort with surgical techniques are required.
• Strong abilities or a strong drive to learn how to use experimental computers.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Due to the nature of this position, you are considered essential personnel and may be required to work weekends and/or holidays, and during school closures.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Pre-Placement Medical Evaluation
• Other Information: Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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