Research Assistant II - Lab

The Klein lab in Systems Biology seeks a Research Assistant II to support and advance the lab's microfluidics and genomics capabilities. The lab has recently developed a microfluidic genomic platform, called the CAGE platform, which allows combining live-cell culturing with subsequent genomic assays (published in Mazelis et al, Science 2026). The successful candidate will take primary responsibility for operating the CAGE microfluidic platform and for preparing genomic libraries, working closely with graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and other lab members across a range of projects. Research in the lab spans bacterial massively parallel perturbation assays through stem cell biology, and the Research Assistant will have the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge work in several of these areas. T
The role offers substantial hands-on technical training, exposure to a broad range of experimental systems, and collaborative engagement with multiple ongoing research programs. Principal duties and responsibilities will include:
Operate and maintain the CAGE microfluidic platform. This includes running microfluidic experiments, performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting, managing reagent inventory and preparation, tracking consumables, and ensuring the platform remains in reliable working order for lab-wide use.
Serve as a technical resource for platform users. The Research Assistant will collaborate with multiple members of the lab, supporting their experiments on the platform and coordinating scheduling and sample handling across concurrent projects.
Prepare genomic libraries, with particular emphasis on multi-step CAGE genomics protocols. This includes executing established protocols with precision, maintaining detailed and accurate records, assessing library quality, and contributing to protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
Contribute to ongoing research projects led by members of the lab, with opportunities to participate in experimental design, data generation, and interpretation.
Maintain rigorous documentation of experimental procedures and results and participate in lab meetings and group discussions.
Basic Qualifications:
College background or equivalent work experience, preferably in the biological sciences or related quantitative field.
One to two years related work experience (relevant course work may count towards experience).
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
An exceptional undergraduate academic record in the biological sciences or a related quantitative field.
Prior laboratory research experience in molecular biology, such as through undergraduate research, coursework-based research, or a summer research program. Familiarity with standard molecular biology techniques is advantageous.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and reliability, with the ability to execute complex multi-step protocols accurately and reproducibly.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with multiple team members on concurrent projects.
Prior experience with microfluidics, next-generation sequencing library preparation, or single-cell methods is a plus but is not required; training will be provided.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No