Research Assistant I

The Nyerges Lab (https://engineeringbio.science) at Harvard Medical School, Department of Genetics, is seeking a Research Assistant to join a newly established, independent research group working at the interface of bacterial genome engineering, directed evolution, and biomedical applications. 

Building on our published work in genome and genetic code engineering (Nyerges et al., Nature 2023; Nyerges et al., BioRxiv, 2024), directed evolution and preclinical drug development (Nyerges et al., 2020; Szili et al., 2019), current projects combine molecular microbiology, directed evolution, and computational chemistry to create engineered bacterial strains and new-to-nature proteins for biomedical applications. 

The position is well suited for a motivated post-baccalaureate candidate with an interest in molecular biology, microbiology, or related biomedical disciplines who is preparing to apply to a PhD program and seeks to strengthen their publication track record and research skillset. 

The successful candidate will participate in group meetings, contribute to manuscript and experimental protocol preparation, attend seminar series within Harvard Medical School, and take part in the scientific and intellectual life of the lab and the Department of Genetics. 

Under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will execute experiments in bacterial genetics and directed evolution; perform molecular cloning, PCR, plasmid and reagent preparation, and standard E. coli genetic manipulations; carry out DNA and RNA extraction, quality assessment, and handling under RNase-free conditions; prepare RNA-seq and DNA sequencing libraries for both Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms; prepare purified protein samples for LC-MS/MS analysis, and analyze the resulting transcriptomic and genomic datasets using standard bioinformatics tools.  

The candidate will also contribute to downstream characterization of engineered strains in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including sample collection and processing for molecular analyses. The Research Assistant will maintain rigorous electronic laboratory records, contribute to the development of new experimental methods, present results at internal group meetings, and have the opportunity to co-author peer-reviewed publications reporting the resulting work. The Research Assistant will also assist other lab members in daily duties, including reagent preparation, general lab maintenance, and inventory documentation.

The position requires careful experimental execution, attention to detail, a dynamic and dedicated work ethic, and the ability to critically evaluate experimental results.

Working Conditions:

Standard wet-laboratory environment at Harvard Medical School. Work is performed predominantly at biosafety levels BSL-1 and BSL-2 and involves routine use of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli, yeast, and standard molecular biology reagents. The position requires the routine use of personal protective equipment, including laboratory coats, safety glasses, and disposable gloves, and adherence to all applicable biosafety, chemical hygiene, and laboratory safety policies and standard operating procedures. 

Some work may involve handling of vertebrate animals or animal-derived samples in accordance with institutional Animal Care and Use Committee policies, with appropriate training and protocol coverage provided. The position is fully on-site at the Harvard Medical School Longwood campus.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to perform standard wet-lab work, including extended periods of standing or sitting at the laboratory bench, biosafety cabinet, or computer workstation. Ability to use manual micropipettes and microbial inoculating loops, requiring fine motor coordination to transfer A tailored cover letter is strongly preferred. Applicants are encouraged to describe their relevant training and hands-on laboratory experience, the specific techniques with which they have hands-on experience (with attention to the essential and viewed favorably skills listed in the Position Information), and how their research interests and career goals align with the scope of the position. Generic or untailored cover letters and applications submitted without a cover letter will be considered, but priority will be given to applicants who clearly articulate the fit between their background and the position.