Research Assistant I

Job Summary

Unleash your potential in the exciting world of plant diversity research! The Davis Lab , spearheaded by Charles Davis, is a vibrant hub of innovation, including a diverse team of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and researchers. Our research is a thrilling exploration into the mysteries of plant diversity across space and time, including areas such as anthropogenic climate change, phylogenomics, biogeography, biome evolution, and symbioses. Our projects are a blend of evolution and ecology, molecular biology, systematics, development, phenology, and bioinformatics. We are seeking a passionate Research Assistant I to join our dynamic team. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking research project that aims to characterize the genomes of medicinal plants. Your role will be pivotal in ensuring we reach our ambitious project goals. As a Research Assistant, you will be immersed in the fascinating world of wet-lab work, including DNA extraction, library preparations, sample preparation, and library pooling. You'll also have the fascinating opportunity to handle precious herbarium specimens. This role offers the exciting prospect of engaging directly with the development of research deliverables, including the chance to review, edit, and prepare papers and talks. Your work may also extend into the intriguing realm of phytochemical investigations of plants.

Position Description

Under specific direction from the PI, performs a variety of laboratory tasks related to the research project. Typical Duties:

• Perform high-throughput DNA extractions.
• Perform library preparations.
• Pool libraries for sequencing.
• Process lab supply orders.
• May assist postdoctoral researcher in bioinformatic analysis.
• May sample herbarium specimens to obtain leaf material for DNA extractions or phytochemical assessments.

Basic Qualifications

College coursework in biology, and 1 year of lab experience. Education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

BA/BS. At least one year of related work experience. Demonstrated abilities in basic laboratory techniques. Exposure to Microsoft and computer databases. Attention to detail is exceedingly important. Excellent communication skills, organization, and the ability to work with multiple constituents is preferred. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excited about medicinal plants, their genomics, ecology, and evolution, and communicating that excitement to others.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds; occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds; and rarely lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Regular working positions are to sit and/or stand at a work station such as imaging station and computer. The employee is occasionally required to get up a step stool or kneel. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Additional Information

To be considered for this position, a resume and cover letter are required. This is a 6-month term position with the possibility of extension based on funding. Harvard University will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. ***All formal offers made by FAS Human Resources

Benefits

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