AUGUST 11, 2025

001266SR

• Full-time
• Boston
• Hybrid
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

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 THE HARVARD T.H. CHAN SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world-renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting-edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission-driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work-life balance are valued.
Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values, our Principles of Citizenship, and about the Dean’s AAA vision about our school’s ongoing strategic initiatives.
Job Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Hotamışlıgil Lab explores the fundamental molecular mechanisms that cause obesity- or aging-related disease clusters including diabetes, liver and pulmonary disease, and atherosclerosis with the aim of developing novel therapeutic interventions to treat these diseases. The lab has made important contributions to the fields of “metabolism” and especially “immunometabolism”, studying the interactions between metabolic and immune responses as critical drivers of numerous chronic diseases. In the last decade, we have approached immunometabolism in two major paths: organelle homeostasis and lipid metabolism. Using biochemical, genetic, and physiological studies, we aim to find novel pathways and preventive, therapeutic solutions to today’s greatest threats to global human health. The environment in our laboratory is collegial, supportive, and diverse. One of the greatest powers of science is its ability to unite people, where all people can work together for a common purpose. This is most evident in our lab where we come together to tackle challenging questions and dream to make a positive impact on human life. Our laboratory can be found at https://www.gsh.sph.harvard.edu.
We are looking for a Research Assistant (RA) who is enthusiastic and excited about biomedical science and the work we do in our lab, and who wants to make a strong scientific contribution to our research. This Research Assistant will work with molecules, cells, and molecular biology platforms as well as perform physiology experiments in genetically engineered mouse models, including studies implementing advanced physiological instrumentation and surgeries. It is an opportunity to learn advanced techniques in molecular biology, protein and RNA purification and analysis, mammalian tissue culture, biochemical assays, immunostaining, and microscopy. The RA will follow up experiments by organizing, processing, and reporting data. RAs are expected to be fully engaged in the intellectual activities of the lab and actively participate in lab meetings and discussions. We work as a team and look for strong and positive team spirit in all our members.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1+ year of relevant experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered
• Experience in basic molecular and cellular biology techniques required.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

The following job-related skills and competencies are strongly preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training and experience; BS/MS in biological sciences
• 2+ years experience in a molecular biology laboratory at the bench
• Experience in performing animal studies
• Exposure to or experience in basic molecular and cellular biology techniques
• Understanding of the necessity for proper handling of pre-published confidential research data
• Demonstrated high level of initiative and motivation
• Experience working independently and with a team
• Strong organizational skills
• Scientific curiosity, high level of initiative and motivation
• Works well independently and with a team
• Excellent communication, time management, and record-keeping skills
• Discretion with handling sensitive and confidential information

Additional Information
Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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• The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
• This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.

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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines

• Appointment End Date: Two years from date of hire
• 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, Criminal

The primary responsibilities of the Research Assistant include, but are not limited to:

• Performing cell culture and molecular biology experiments.
• Performing mouse metabolic physiology experiments.
• Maintaining mouse colonies, including breeding and genotyping.
• Processing tissue, blood, and cell culture samples for protein, RNA, and metabolite analysis.
• Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of data.
• Participation and intellectual contribution to lab meetings, journal clubs, and data discussions.

PLEASE NOTE: The finalist for this position will be required to pass an occupational health screen.
PLEASE NOTE: There may be times when, due to technical aspects of an experiment, the RA will be required to work outside of normal working hours (such as on evenings, weekends, and holidays). This position is primarily on-campus and this position will be based in Boston, MA. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Finalists will be required to complete an occupational health screening. This position has a term appointment of 2 years from date of hire with the possibility of extension.
Qualifications