Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Research Technician - Abraham Lab

Harvard Medical School Full time
Primary Work Address: Dept. of Genetics, Boston, MA, 02115

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

About the Role:

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.

We are currently looking for a Research Technician to join the lab of Dr. Jonathan Abraham at Harvard Medical School. The lab uses methods in molecular virology and structural biology to study how viruses interact with cellular receptors and how neutralizing antibodies can block these interactions. The Abraham lab also investigates how viral polymerases replicate or transcribe viral genomes once viruses infect cells. The focus of this work is on viruses that cause lethal human diseases with limited treatment or vaccine options. More information about the lab’s research can be found at https://abrahamlab.med.harvard.edu/.

This position is especially well suited for candidates seeking 2–3 years of research experience before their next opportunity, including graduate or medical school.

The preferred start date for this position is June 2026.

Application Instructions:

Please include a list of three professional references with contact information (names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses) as part of your application. Please also include a cover letter in your application.

What We Provide:

  • A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits

  • A diverse, collaborative lab environment

  • Hands-on training in a variety of laboratory techniques

  • Opportunities for professional development and growth including the future potential to have your own research project and contribute to publications.

What You'll Do:

  • Assist with experiments in molecular virology and structural biology related to viral entry, antibody neutralization, and viral polymerase function.

  • Collect, record, organize, and verify data; perform calculations; and prepare charts, graphs, and reports using standard software tools.

  • Configure and operate laboratory apparatus and instruments; read and record instrument data; tabulate data; keep laboratory records.

  • May order chemicals, reagents, and other laboratory supplies.

  • Participate in laboratory meetings and planning sessions.

What You Bring:

  • A minimum of a bachelor's degree in life sciences.

  • Previous experience in a lab is highly preferred.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Excellent organizational skills, time management skills, and attention to detail. Ability to use good judgment in managing deadlines and responding to inquiries.

  • Mammalian cell culture experience is highly preferred.

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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Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission, including competitive pay, exceptional health benefits, retirement plans, time off, and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more. 

Compensation Range

$18.40 (minimum) - $23.03 (midpoint) - $29.93 (maximum)

Pay Type:

Hourly

HHMI’s salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidate's education, previous experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal consistency when making job offers. Typically, a new hire for this position in this location is compensated between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.