Harvard University

Harvard University

Research Assistant I Lab

Boston, MA, United States · Contract

No sponsorshipDetected 5 days ago
ExcelPCRFlow CytometryMicroscopyMolecular BiologyCell CultureResearchCommunicationCollaborationProblem SolvingOrganizational SkillsMicrosoft Office

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odds of building a lasting career here

88Lottery-free
Cap-exempt (no lottery)100
Sponsors year-round90
Entry-level history60
PERM / green-card track50
Fits your clock70

Files H-1B any time — no cap, no lottery. The 2026 weighted-selection rule doesn't touch it, which makes this the strongest structural path for entry-level talent. Pay is often lower, but your odds of staying are dramatically higher.

Lottery odds assume a STEM candidate.

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Employer immigration record

from this employer's Department of Labor filings

Green-card filing pattern in this occupation

Context, not a finding about this posting: of this employer's 15 green-card filings in this occupation, 93% were for a worker who already held the job.

States it is exempt from the H-1B cap

In 9 Department of Labor filings, this employer states it is an institution of higher education — one of the statutory grounds for exemption from the H-1B cap. Cap-exempt employers can file year-round without entering the lottery.Employer's own attestation on a Department of Labor wage determination, not a USCIS determination — exemption is decided per petition.

Files H-1B transfers

11 transfer filings in the last year, covering 11 workers. Median labor-condition decision: 7 days. An employer that already files transfers is one that can take over an existing H-1B.

Sourced from Department of Labor LCA, PERM and prevailing-wage disclosure data. Employer matching is by name, so figures may be split across an employer's legal entities. Absence of a filing means none appears in our copy of the data, not that none exists.

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About the role

  • This position is ideal for recent college graduates interested in gaining intensive hands-on research experience before pursuing graduate or medical school.
  • include assisting with cell culture, molecular biology, microscopy, biochemical experiments, and general laboratory organization.
  • As part of your application, we recommend including a cover letter describing your research interests and why you are interested in joining the Harper Lab to help us better understand your qualifications and background.

Responsibilities

  • The Research Assistant will support the Harper Lab's research program by performing experiments and helping maintain day-to-day laboratory operations.
  • Term: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance and continued funding to support the position.
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hrs. per week | Monday - Friday | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. May occasionally work outside or normal business hours to support cell culture maintenance.
  • Support for families and caregivers

Nice to have

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific discipline preferred
  • equivalent directly related research experience may substitute where appropriate.
  • The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about scientific research, highly organized, and eager to learn new techniques.

Skills

  • Experience with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA cloning, and routine laboratory pipetting.
  • Mammalian cell culture experience.
  • Excellent attention to detail and record keeping.
  • Quantitative reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and diverse research environment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Additional Information
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
  • Work Format Details
  • Certain visa types may limit work location.

Benefits

  • Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks
  • Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

Company info

  • We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
  • We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives.

Equal opportunity

  • EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
  • equal opportunity and non-discrimination.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
  • Certain visa types may limit work location.
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This listing is sourced directly from Harvard University's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.