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Why join Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive community dedicated to alleviating suffering and improving health and well-being for all through excellence in teaching and learning, discovery and scholarship, and service and leadership.

You’ll be at the heart of biomedical discovery, education, and innovation, working alongside world-renowned faculty and a community dedicated to improving human health. This is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to shape the future of medicine.

The Research Assistant IV will provide advanced research operations and project management support for the laboratory’s large-scale ancient DNA studies and will also be responsible for coordinating data set preparation across the wet laboratory,  bioinformatics, and analyst teams, making this a unique role in the research group. 

There are responsibilities in three distinct areas: 

(1) The position is responsible for coordinating the acquisition, processing, documentation, and tracking of thousands of research samples from domestic and international collaborators. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, informatics team, and laboratory personnel, the incumbent will oversee data curation and data quality control, ensure compliance with institutional and federal regulations governing international collaborations and material exchange, facilitate communication with external partners, and support the preparation of manuscripts, reports, and special research initiatives.

• Manages shipping and receiving of thousands of skeletal samples per year from and to domestic and international collaborators; prepares documentation to facilitate clearance through US and foreign customs agencies.
• Maintains compliance with University and Federal policies regarding international collaborations and material exchange.
• Meticulously cross-checks new samples with inventory lists to identify and resolve any issues with collaborators.
• Collects, standardizes, curates and uploads sample metadata to laboratory information management system (LIMS); updates metadata as needed.
• Maintains organization of research sample storage room to facilitate efficient sample retrieval by laboratory technicians.
• Organizes and archives research-related documents, such as material transfer agreements, research agreements, export permits; perform restricted party screening to assure compliance with university requirements and government regulations. 
• Serves as a liaison between the Primary Investigator and wet laboratory staff to coordinate project priorities, manages processing queue. 

(2) Responsible for curation of the laboratory’s archaeological database.  This is a huge task, as the database contains almost 50,000 distinct samples and there are new releases of thousands of new samples every year. These data and their formats have to be cleaned and homogenized.

• Is the main person conducting data quality control of genetic data and meta data including literature research.
• Processes results from radiocarbon dating analysis; calibrates, formats, and uploads results to LIMS; monitors and reconciles radiocarbon dating budget and processing queue.
• Collates corrections to archaeological information from archaeologist collaborators and other users. 

(3) Responsible for sharing results with external collaborators.

• Serves as primary point of contact for dozens of archaeologists, anthropologists, and geneticists regarding project updates, sharing results, and answering questions. Replies to all queries in a timely way.
• Collates and organizes sample-related data for the preparation of manuscripts and funding agency progress reports. 

Basic Qualifications:

• College degree in a related field.
• 3 or more years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor degree in Archaeology or Anthropology preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills required. 
• Strong written communication skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• The ideal candidate must be well organized with attention to detail, able to prioritize, and manage multiple assignments simultaneously. 
• Competency in a variety of applications such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, Zoom, Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, ProstgreSQL, and the confidence to adapt/learn if not familiar with an application. 
• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to adapt and remain flexible in a changing environment.

• Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position. 
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education 
• Staying Informed About Your Application: Due to the high volume of applications, we may not always be able to reach out right away, but you can track your status anytime through the Careers@Harvard portal.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.