The Giannobile Laboratory within the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine is currently seeking a Research Associate to join its research team.
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will provide essential laboratory support for ongoing research projects involving in vitro and in vivo models and fundamental cell and molecular biology techniques. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in conducting supervised research, possess strong communication skills, be self-motivated, maintain a high degree of integrity, and demonstrate a willingness and ability to acquire new technical skills. Additionally, experience coordinating clinical research projects is preferable, as the role may include project management responsibilities such as the development and oversight of study protocols, managing regulatory submissions, facilitating IRB communications, tracking project milestones and budgets, and supporting training and data collection activities at multiple study sites. Strong organizational skills, the capacity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards are essential to successfully support the translational aspects of this research.
Responsibilities
Assist with in vivo experiments using small animal models for preclinical studies.
Design, execute, and ensure compliance with in vitro and in vivo study protocols; analyze and interpret experimental procedures and results from approved protocols.
Skeletal dissection and histological sample preparation
Immunohistochemistry and serum collection
3-D image analysis
Assist with overall project planning and coordination, including managing budgets and timelines, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting IRB reporting.
Contribute to project communications such as website updates and meeting agendas for investigators.
Support the investigative team with online survey development and data management in collaboration with the project statistician.
Assist in staff training and oversee activities at study sites as needed.
Support day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, monitoring supply levels, and ensuring compliance with biosafety and laboratory safety standards.
Basic Qualifications:
Master's or bachelor's degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, or related discipline). Advanced coursework or training in laboratory techniques preferred.
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Strong commitment to research integrity and safety standards.
Knowledge of regulations/guidance governing clinical research required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and internet applications.
Experience in preclinical research protocols.
Demonstrated competency in molecular biology and tissue analysis techniques.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check at hire.
Additional Qualifications:
Experience working with Institutional Review Boards for human clinical studies including protocol generation, continuing review, enrollment tracking, and completion of required forms (consent, adverse event, etc.).
Experience with data entry.
Experience with participant recruitment.
Experience with clinical studies involving medical devices, biologics, or drugs is preferred.
Experience with tissue processing and preparation of the samples for uCT evaluation.
Experience in laboratory operations or lab management, including equipment oversight, safety compliance, and supply coordination, is strongly preferred.
Strong customer service skills. The coordinator will work with multiple PIs simultaneously with many competing priorities.
Ability to maintain professionalism and composure when interacting with various stakeholders, including external ones like NIH and funding agencies, as well as internal ones such as Harvard Dental Clinics, faculty, and students.
Ability to work on and track multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
Willingness to work at all levels to accomplish team goals.
Ability to work with study participants, caregivers, and staff in a clinical/research setting. IACUC and COMS (institutional biosafety committee) experience are also preferred but not required.
Contact Information:
Mary Anderson HSDM
Contact Email: mary_anderson@hsdm.harvard.edu
Equal Opportunity Employer:
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.
Salary Range:
$65,000-$90,000 Compensation for the selected candidate will be determined by several factors, years of experience, relevant training or qualifications, area of education/training/scholarship, and professional achievements.
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.