Research Technician III - Zhuang Lab

About HHMI and the Zhuang Lab

The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) advances the discovery and sharing of scientific knowledge to benefit us all. As a biomedical research organization and philanthropy, HHMI supports a vibrant community of academic researchers, educators, students, and professionals. Together, we’re unlocking the fundamentals of biology and building an open, inclusive future for science.

The research in the Zhuang laboratory is aimed at developing imaging methods and applying them to problems of biomedical interest. The lab’s current research is focused on three major areas: (1) super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, (2) single-cell transcriptome and genome imaging, and (3) single-molecule biology.

About the Role

The Zhuang Lab at Harvard University is seeking a detail-oriented and collaborative Research Technician III to join our dynamic team. This individual will serve as a key member of the lab, supporting both scientific research and essential operational functions. The Technician will ensure the lab runs smoothly, safely, and in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, while also contributing to research projects and fostering a collaborative environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong organizational and leadership skills who enjoys balancing hands-on lab work with administrative and operational responsibilities.

What You’ll Get

• Mentorship from experienced scientists, with the potential to contribute directly to projects when appropriate.

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

• The opportunity to join the vibrant Harvard University research community.

• Professional development opportunities, including leadership responsibilities and mentorship experience.

• A role where organizational leadership and scientific curiosity intersect to advance cutting-edge research.

What You Will Do

• Lab Operations & Administration

  • Maintain lab supply inventory and place orders using HHMI’s P2P and Harvard’s B2P systems.

  • Serve as liaison with HHMI and Harvard administrative offices.

  • Lead lab safety compliance efforts and ensure all required annual trainings are completed.

  • Maintain equipment records, perform simple preventative maintenance, and coordinate service needs.

  • Manage lab SOPs, protocols, and job lists (including on-call assignments).

  • Onboard and offboard lab members, including preparing related SOPs.

  • Collaborate with Harvard safety and compliance offices during inspections and asset inventories.

  • Organize and oversee animal and biological protocol submissions.

• Compliance & Safety

  • Conduct lab chemical inventory and keep records updated in LabCup.

  • Schedule and lead lab-wide cleanout days and ensure participation.

  • Oversee cold room, refrigerator, and freezer use, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and equitable access.

  • Collaborate with departmental safety staff to maintain compliance with regulations.

  • Physically inventory animal cage usage as needed.

• Research & Support

  • Assist lab members with research design, sample preparation, and execution of projects.

  • Provide wet-lab support, including molecular biology and tissue culture work.

  • Serve as a backup for essential lab responsibilities as needed.

  • Collaborate with sales representatives and vendors to identify cost-saving opportunities and evaluate new products.

• General Lab Management

  • Clean lab glassware and maintain lab spaces, including microscope rooms and shared equipment areas.

  • Ensure the lab environment is clean, safe, and well-organized.

  • Assign and manage lab bench, cold room, and freezer spaces fairly across members.

What You Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

• At least 4 years of laboratory experience, with exposure to molecular biology and tissue culture required.

• Prior animal handling experience (preferred, but not required).

• Strong organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilities and workflows.

• Excellent collaboration and leadership abilities, with interpersonal skills to foster a positive and productive lab culture.

• A willingness to take initiative, adapt to evolving needs, and support both scientific and operational aspects of lab life.

• Coding or data management skills a plus.

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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