Job Description

Sabatini Lab and the neuronal integration project

The Sabatini Lab at Harvard Medical School seeks to uncover the mechanisms of synapse and circuit plasticity that permit new behaviors to be learned and refined. We are interested in both the developmental changes that occur after birth that make learning possible as well as in the circuit changes that are triggered by the process of learning.  We examine how perturbations of these processes contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders with disordered learning or action selection. 

A current promising project investigates how neuronal integration occurs at the interface of forebrain and hindbrain structures. We believe that elucidating the integration rules will reveal how the brain orchestrates goal-directed, skilled motor actions. For this aim we are utilizing a variety of techniques spanning molecular biology, in-vitro electrophysiology, behavioral testing, optogenetics, and in vivo recordings. We are deeply committed to using—and developing—techniques necessary to address the fundamental biological questions at the core of project.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and independent Research Technician I to join our in-person, cross-disciplinary team. This full-time role will be embedded in the laboratory of Dr. Bernardo Sabatini and will work closely with Dr. Paolo Capelli, a postdoctoral researcher. The technician will gain exposure to a broad range of methods, from coding and data analysis to wet-lab experiments in mice, and will play a hands-on role in advancing cutting-edge neuroscience research.

Daily responsibilities will include conducting experiments with mice, performing wet lab bench work,  and coding to analyze data or control devices. In addition, regular support to general lab operations is required. The balance of these tasks will shift with project needs, providing opportunities to learn diverse techniques and explore new challenges. The position emphasizes mentorship and growth, beginning with day-to-day guidance and gradually transitioning toward independent project contributions.

What You’ll Get

• A structured path toward independence in research, with opportunities to present at lab meetings and participate in publication preparation.

• Mentorship and a strong skillset foundation that prepare candidates for graduate or medical school.

• Professional development opportunities including access to weekly Harvard seminars, virtual HHMI talks, scientific discussion at journal clubs, a Research Assistant affinity group, and the potential to attend domestic conferences. 

• A collaborative and motivated team environment where curiosity and initiative are highly valued.

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits.

What You Will Do

• Conduct experimental work with mice, including behavioral testing, optogenetic manipulations and in-vivo recordings.

• Perform coding-based data analysis (Python and/or MATLAB); working with and organizing big datasets (e.g. chronic in-vivo recording, videos and tracking).

• Optimize and troubleshoot pipelines to run and analyze experiments 

• wet-lab experiments including histology, microscopy and mouse colony maintenance

• Assist with general laboratory tasks and help maintain an efficient and organized research environment.

• Participate in weekly discussions to share progress and integrate feedback.

• Contribute to publications and other scientific outputs.

What You Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Strong coding skills in MATLAB and/or Python (required).

• Prior laboratory experience, ideally involving mouse models or wet-bench techniques.

• Excellent organizational skills, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.

• Independence, motivation, and the ability to quickly absorb and apply new information.

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with openness to constructive feedback and collaboration.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Work may involve possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances or other hazardous materials.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however.  Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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