Career Center

The de Bivort Lab is seeking a Laboratory Technician interested in biology and animal behavior. The Laboratory Technician will work with other lab members to conduct experiments studying the neural basis of individual behavior, mechanisms by which parasitic organisms manipulate the behavior of their hosts, and how behavior can evolve.

The Laboratory Technician will work with others to assist with the following functions:

• Maintaining Drosophila stocks and conducting genetic crosses.
• Infecting flies with the parasitic fungus Entomophthora muscae and measuring their behavior.
• Measuring behavior of flies undergoing artificial selection, choose flies for selective propagation, and applying molecular techniques to these flies to measure evolved changes to their genomes.
• Supporting the experiments of other folks in the lab, particularly behavioral experiments, but also, potentially, molecular and imaging experiments.
• Given interest and appropriate expertise, may operate and optimize fly-handling robots to help with the above experiments.
• Other related job duties as required.

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit a cover letter along with your resume.

Please note: this is a one-year term position with a possibility of an extension based on funding and performance.

***All formal written offers will be made by FAS HR.

About OEB
OEB is a diverse and vibrant department with a broad range of research and teaching interests, ranging from the evolution and control of gene expression patterns within individuals and populations to the dynamics of ecosystems. Field and laboratory studies are key to understanding the evolution of organisms, how biodiversity is generated and maintained, how organisms work, and how organisms interact with their environment. OEB has close working associations with its allied institutions: the Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ) and the Harvard University Herbaria (HUH), as well as the Arnold Arboretum and the Harvard Forest. These institutions and their collections offer an unparalleled, rich set of resources for OEB students, faculty, visitors, and staff.

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services.
• Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events, and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

High school graduate or equivalent with some college courses. At least 1 year of lab experience required (course work may count toward experience).

Undergraduate coursework in biology, or related degree preferred. Strong communication skills required. Demonstrated abilities in basic laboratory techniques helpful, but not required. Well organized, self-motivated and detail oriented, with strong interpersonal skills. Must have an interest in behavior, genetics and/or neuroscience. The ideal candidate will have an aptitude for problem solving.