The Research Assistant will report to two faculty in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Under specific direction, performs a variety of basic and general laboratory research and clerical tasks determined by the field and scope of the particular research study. May perform tasks related to the research project independently, but within specific guidelines and subject to review by supervisor or other research staff.

Responsibilities would include help collecting data on samples in the paleomagnetics lab using different magnetometers, preparing polished sections, and processing samples using an oven or artificial magnetic fields. Other work may include mineral separation (crushing, grinding, panning, magnetic separation, heavy liquids, acid digestion), imaging of zircons and their inclusions on the microprobe (EDS, WDS, and CL), and other miscellaneous work (cutting rocks on the saw, acid digestion, sample storage).

This is a one-year term position with the possibility to extend.

Typical Duties

• Performs laboratory experiments utilizing specific and proscribed techniques and equipment;
• As a member of a project team, may assist in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols;
• May perform routine logging and/or testing of samples;
• May occasionally instruct others in basic laboratory techniques;
• Performs related laboratory maintenance such as maintaining and cleaning equipment and ordering supplies;
• May process orders or invoices, or undertake other clerical and simple accounting duties under the direction of administrative personnel.

• College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in a related discipline.
• At least one year related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience)

• Exposure to applicable computer technologies, including specific software applications, may be required.
• Demonstrated abilities in basic laboratory techniques helpful, but not required.
• Appropriate communications skills required.

Working Conditions: May be required to lift, move and transport related laboratory equipment. May be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials.

Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

all formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Research

USA - MA - Cambridge

403108 Research Assistant I Lab

On-Site

Earth and Planetary Sciences

-

Full-time

052

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Identity

35 hours per week

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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.