Student Intern - Neuronal Identities

Education
High School Diploma or Equivalent required

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No

Licenses and Credentials

Experience
No experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must be reliable and punctual.
- Good time management skills.
- Strong oral communication skills.
- Ability to take and follow direction.
- Willingness to learn.

The Shrestha Lab at Mass Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School studies mechanisms underlying specification, plasticity and maintenance of neuronal identities in the mouse auditory system using cutting-edge molecular genetic approaches such as scRNA-seq, scATAC-seq, and CRISPR/Cas9-based genomic editing. More information can be found at https://shrestha.meei.harvard.edu

Job Description:

We are looking for a summer intern who can assist us in the study of the regulatory logic behind generation of molecularly diverse neurons in the mouse auditory system. The candidate will be responsible for one or more of the following: 1) handling live mice for the purpose of setting up crosses, weaning litters, collecting tissue biopsies for genotyping, injecting anesthetics and other drugs, 2) extracting, dissecting, processing and sectioning mouse cochlea or brain tissues, 3) detecting mRNA and proteins of interest by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, 4) preparing buffers and reagents for molecular biology, 5) gel electrophoresis and imaging, 6) acquiring images using epifluorescence and confocal microscopy. Intended to provide an immersive experience in molecular neuroscience research, this position requires full-time, in-person work for at least 10 weeks between May and September 2026. This opportunity is ideal for individuals seeking to extend their laboratory research experience in preparation for graduate studies in biomedical sciences or medical school.

Qualifications:

We are looking for candidates currently working toward a Bachelor's degree and majoring in the biological or related sciences. Some experience in wet lab research is required. May be required to work with hazardous materials. May occasionally be required to lift, move, and transport laboratory equipment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has excellent organization skills, can multi-task efficiently, and loves to learn new concepts and techniques related to studies of the nervous system.