Position Description

Are you interested in studying the blood-brain barrier and how inflammation influences brain function? We are seeking a research assistant in Chenghua Gu’s laboratory at Harvard Medical School. Within the Gu lab, the neuroimmunology subgroup studies immune signaling at the blood-brain barrier during infection and inflammation. We seek to understand the basic mechanisms underlying blood-brain barrier permeability, immune cell recruitment, and communication networks with other cell population in the brain. The research assistant, under specific direction, will work with other lab members to study these immune signaling networks at the blood-brain barrier using a variety of imaging strategies, mouse genetics, immunophenotyping, as well as other cell and molecular biology techniques. The team consists of PhD and MD-PhD trainees and post-docs at all levels. The ideal research assistant will be well-organized, self-motivated, and demonstrate responsibility. While here, the individual will gain experience with the scientific method, experimental design, leadership, and time management, and have the freedom to implement their own ideas to help to accelerate scientific projects. Additionally, there are many opportunities for career development and academic growth within the Gu lab and the larger Harvard Medical School system. On day-to-day basis, the individual will work on experiments employing the following methods:

1. Molecular biology (plasmid cloning, gene editing, viral construct building etc.)
2. Biochemistry (western blot, ELISA).
3. Tissue culture (transfection, viral infection, primary cell culture).
4. Histology (immunostaining, EM, tissue clearance, etc.),
5. Imaging and imaging analysis (confocal, super resolution, slidescanner, etc) and cell profiling and other imaging tools for analysis.
6. Cell sorting including flow cytometry, FACS, and MACS.
7. Mouse genetics and animal models of disease and inflammation.

Basic Qualifications

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least one year of related work experience in laboratory-based research (relevant course work may count towards some, though not all, work experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree preferred (Cell biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Immunology, Microbiology).
• Must have good communication skills, organization, and be a team player.

Additional Information

This is a 12-month term appointment with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.
Offer contingent upon successful completion of a pre-placement medical evaluation.
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.
Please note that we are currently conducting a majority of interviews and onboarding remotely and virtually. We appreciate your understanding.
The Harvard Medical School is not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture of faculty, staff, and students with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations. We appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Harvard Medical School Mission and Community Values
https://hms.harvard.edu/about-hms/campus-culture/mission-community-values-diversity-statement

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.