Research Technician III - Zhuang Lab

Primary Work Address: 25 Francis Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138

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About HHMI and the Zhuang Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we're unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

The research in the Zhuang laboratory is aimed at developing imaging methods and applying them to problems of biomedical interest. The lab's current research is focused on three major areas: (1) super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, (2) single-cell transcriptome and genome imaging, and (3) single-molecule biology.

• Mentorship from experienced scientists, with the potential to contribute directly to projects when appropriate.
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.
• The opportunity to join the vibrant Harvard University research community.
• Professional development opportunities, including leadership responsibilities and mentorship experience.
• A role where organizational leadership and scientific curiosity intersect to advance cutting-edge research.

• Lab Operations & Administration
  
  
  • Maintain lab supply inventory and place orders using HHMI's P2P and Harvard's B2P systems.
  • Serve as liaison with HHMI and Harvard administrative offices.
  • Lead lab safety compliance efforts and ensure all required annual trainings are completed.
  • Maintain equipment records, perform simple preventative maintenance, and coordinate service needs.
  • Manage lab SOPs, protocols, and job lists (including on-call assignments).
  • Onboard and offboard lab members, including preparing related SOPs.
  • Collaborate with Harvard safety and compliance offices during inspections and asset inventories.
  • Organize and oversee animal and biological protocol submissions.
• Compliance & Safety
  
  
  • Conduct lab chemical inventory and keep records updated in LabCup.
  • Schedule and lead lab-wide cleanout days and ensure participation.
  • Oversee cold room, refrigerator, and freezer use, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and equitable access.
  • Collaborate with departmental safety staff to maintain compliance with regulations.
  • Physically inventory animal cage usage as needed.
• Research & Support
  
  
  • Assist lab members with research design, sample preparation, and execution of projects.
  • Provide wet-lab support, including molecular biology and tissue culture work.
  • Serve as a backup for essential lab responsibilities as needed.
  • Collaborate with sales representatives and vendors to identify cost-saving opportunities and evaluate new products.
• General Lab Management
  
  
  • Clean lab glassware and maintain lab spaces, including microscope rooms and shared equipment areas.
  • Ensure the lab environment is clean, safe, and well-organized.
  • Assign and manage lab bench, cold room, and freezer spaces fairly across members.

• A Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of laboratory experience, with exposure to molecular biology and tissue culture required.
• Prior animal handling experience (preferred, but not required).
• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities and workflows.
• Excellent collaboration and leadership abilities, with interpersonal skills to foster a positive and productive lab culture.
• A willingness to take initiative, adapt to evolving needs, and support both scientific and operational aspects of lab life.
• Coding or data management skills a plus.