Job Description

Job Summary

The Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University invited applications for a research assistant in th Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory, directed by Dr. Erin Hecht, Assistant Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology.

The focus of the position is to provide day-to-day support in a neurohistology/neuroimaging laboratory. Duties include assisting cataloguing and organizing specimens and digital data, maintaining inventory of supplies and reagents, scheduling neuroimaging scans and assisting with human and canine volunteers during scanning, and training and supervising students.

The research will take place in the Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory directed by Dr. Erin Hecht and located in the Peabody Museum on Harvard's Cambridge, Massachusetts campus.

Position Description

The Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University invites applications for a research assistant in the Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory, directed by Dr. Erin Hecht, Assistant Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology.

The focus of this position will be to provide day-to-day support in a neurohistology/neuroimaging laboratory. Duties will include assisting microtome sectioning, running immunohistochemistry and basic histology stains, cataloguing and organizing specimens and digital data, maintaining inventory of supplies and reagents, scheduling neuroimaging scans and assisting with human and canine volunteers during scanning, and training and supervising students.

The research will take place in the Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory directed by Dr. Erin Hecht and located in the Peabody Museum on Harvard University's Cambridge, Massachusetts campus.

Broadly, the Evolutionary Neuroscience Laboratory studies how brains change in response to selection pressure on behavior, and how brains acquire heritable adaptations for complex, learned behaviors. Comparisons between modern humans and our living primate relatives provide a way to address this question in the context of our own evolutionary history. In addition, the lab investigates general mechanisms of brain-behavior evolution by studying ""unnatural selection"" in intentionally-bred animals, including domestic dogs and foxes. The lab uses a variety of experimental and computational tools, such as structural and functional neuroimaging, histology and digital microscopy, and behavior analysis.

Basic Qualifications

• College background and one year of related work experience.
• Relevant coursework may count toward experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree or graduate degree in Psychology, Biology or a related field strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with basic wet lab procedures, microscopy, and histological procedures, including microtome sectioning and immunohistochemistry, strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to physically handle and process tissue samples and operate a computer and microscope.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a combined office and laboratory environment.

Additional Information

• This is a one-year term position, with possibility of renewal, dependent upon adequate funding and satisfactory performance.
• The lab's website is:
• We regret that Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship for this position.
• All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) 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





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.



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.

About Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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Job Tags

Holiday work, Work experience placement, Visa sponsorship, Work visa,

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