65699BRAuto req ID:65699BRJob Code:403108 Research Assistant I Lab Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Research Assistant ISub-Unit:Sciences Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :052Time Status:Full-time Union:55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers 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.

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

Department:Harvard University Herbaria (HUH)Pre-Employment Screening:Identity Schedule:Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PMJob Function:Research 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.

School/Unit:Faculty of Arts and Sciences EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.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.

Job Summary:

Unleash your potential in the exciting world of plant diversity research! The Davis Lab (https://davislab.oeb.harvard.edu/) , 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.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.

• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.

• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.

• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.

• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.

• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.

• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.

• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format:On-Site Work Format Details:This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.About Us:The Harvard University Herbaria (HUH) include six collections and more than five million specimens of algae, bryophytes, fungi, and vascular plants. Together they form one of the largest university herbarium collections in the world, and the fourth largest herbarium in the United States. With their state-of-the art research laboratories and world class libraries, the HUH have been a centerpiece of biodiversity science since the early 1800s.