Research Associate at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Merkenschlager lab is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Research Associate. The Merkenschlager lab investigates how cells of the immune system cooperate to generate optimal immune responses. This individual will be supervised by Dr. Merkenschlager, but will independently design and conduct detailed studies investigating lymphocyte development and communication. Key aspects of the work will include T and B cell cloning, sequencing, and functional characterization; high-parameter flow cytometry and cell sorting; gene editing experiments; generating and optimize screens, models, and techniques to study the impact of altered gene expression in lymphocytes; and working with a computational biologist to guide the construction of computational pipelines for analyzing complex experimental data. In addition, the candidate will also work directly with trainees and staff of the Merkenschlager lab assisting with mouse colony management and in vivo experiments and training them in advanced cell and molecular biology techniques.

The successful candidate should have core domain knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, immunology, and computational biology. The successful candidate also should demonstrate experience with multi-tasking and have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, and possess meticulous work habits with careful attention to detail. This work will be central to several major research projects, and co-authorship on high-impact publications is expected. The successful candidate should demonstrate initiative and be invested in the success of research projects. They will have enthusiasm for taking a hands-on, problem-solving approach, learning on the job, and collaborating with other researchers in an informal collegial work environment imbued with intellectual rigor. They should possess an outstanding academic record and strong communication skills, demonstrate innovative and analytical thinking, and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team.

PhD in Immunology or Cancer Biology. Substantial experience with flow cytometry, animal models, and advanced cell and molecular biology and immunology techniques is required.

2+ years post-PhD work experience is preferred.

David Lucas, PhD
Director of Research Administration
Harvard Medical School Department of Immunology
77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 1030
Boston, MA 02115

The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000-$120,000