Laboratory Technician in Cambridge, Massachusetts at Harvard University

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Why join the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvards undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvards Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 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.

Job Summary:

The Cavender-Bares Lab research focuses on the physiological and evolutionary dimensions of plant ecology that influence community assembly and ecosystem function. Her team investigates the genetic and evolutionary basis of variation in plant phenotypes and spectral properties that can advance remote sensing of biodiversity, particularly detecting change through time and its consequences for ecosystems.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

We seek a full-time lab and field technician to support plant ecophysiological research in the lab and in large-scale field experiments.

• Prepares matter for analysis and diagnosis.
• Assists with field work, including plant growth and ecophysiological measurements.
• Collects and enters data in various formats using Excel, FulcrumApp, R, GitHub, and other platforms. Analyzes data in open source platforms including in R.
• May use spectroscopy for lab experiments.
• Prepares and measures specimen for long-term herbarium records.
• Additional responsibilities include careful data entry, organization, and curation; preparation of metadata to support long-term data archiving; and contributing to basic data analysis and visualization in collaboration with the research team.
• Performs other related job duties as required.

Working Conditions:

• Office setting, lab, and field site at the Harvard Forest.

Basic Qualifications (Required):

• College coursework in biology.
• One year of experience in laboratory work.
• Education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills (preferred):

• The successful candidate will hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., plant biology, agronomy, ecology, environmental science).
• Experience and a strong interest in plant physiology and field work.
• Comfortable working in both outdoor and laboratory settings.
• Meticulous attention to detail and data quality.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of lab best practices and protocols.
• Ability to take direction and receive constructive feedback well.

• Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term position with the possibility of an extension based on funding.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity

Other Information:

• In order to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume must be submitted.

***All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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 049. 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.