Research Assistant II

The Arnold Arboretum is Harvard University's museum of trees, with one of the world's most biodiverse collections of temperate woody plants, combined with world-class scientific resources and a commitment to diverse programming. As part of the Boston Parks system, free and open to all daily, we host three to four million visitors each year and were one of the few botanical gardens or arboreta in the world not to close during the height of the pandemic. We view ourselves as a key public health resource to the City of Boston and beyond.

Position Summary: The Research Assistant II position reports to William (Ned) Friedman, Director of the Arnold Arboretum and Arnold Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology (70% of the time) and to Faye Rosin, Director of Research Facilitation (30% of the time). The Friedman lab covers a broad range of projects (e.g., origin and evolution of flowering plants, plant evo-devo, plant fertilization biology, and embryology) and methods (histology and various types of microscopy, molecular biology, greenhouse studies).

Please note: This is a two-year term appointment, with an end date two years from the date of hire.

Basic Qualifications

Candidates MUST meet the following basic qualifications to be considered for this role:

College background in Biology or equivalent work experience required.

Demonstrated basic abilities in laboratory techniques required.

One to two years of related work experience (relevant coursework may count towards experience).

Histology and microscopy skills.

Skills in applicable computer technologies, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information

This position has a 3-month orientation and review period.

Harvard University does not provide visa sponsorship.

Schedule

Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per week.

Job Responsibilities

The research assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator and Friedman Lab graduate students on various research projects while supporting the Director of Research Facilitation by performing various training and lab maintenance duties. This position allows an early-career individual to improve their research and technical skills while studying organismic and evolutionary biology among the Arnold Arboretum's renowned collection of woody plants. Additionally, the research assistant will interact with undergraduates, researchers, and visiting scholars working across a broad range of plant biology-related disciplines at the Weld Hill research facilities.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

1. Independently performs laboratory experiments involving histological preparation and sectioning, light and fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy;

2. Performs fieldwork, sample collection, and plant care on the Arboretum grounds and in the growth facilities;

3. Collects, processes, organizes, analyzes, and summarizes data, reporting experiment results using a variety of scientific, image editing, word processing, spreadsheet, or statistical software applications or program platforms;

4. Assists in the design of laboratory experiments, techniques, and protocols;

5. Instrucgts other staff and students on safety protocols and, in some cases, basic laboratory techniques;

6. Performs weekly workspace and hazardous waste accumulation area inspection;

7. Performs related laboratory maintenance such as monitoring and maintaining equipment, ordering and inventorying chemicals and supplies;

8. Assists with the facilitation of undergraduate and graduate education programs;

9. Assists with additional user- and equipment-related lab needs as needed;

10. Assists with weekly sample collection for Arboretum's National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) monitoring site as needed;

11. Other duties as needed.

EEO Statement

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.

Working Conditions

Will be required to lift, move, and transport related laboratory equipment. Will be required to work with a variety of hazardous materials. Will be required to work with and handle plants and bees.

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, 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 this excellence while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

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.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.