Research Assistant

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The institution emphasizes academic rigor and social responsibility, and is committed to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in all employment practices. The 425‑acre campus features gardens, rolling lawns, a creek and wooded hills. The opportunity A Full‑Time Research Assistant position is available in Professor Daniela Fera’s lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The role is part of a collaboration between the Fera Lab at Swarthmore College and the Escolano Lab at the Wistar Institute, focusing on the immune response to HIV and the molecular mechanisms of antibody recognition of the HIV envelope spike. The long‑term goal is to inform the design of next‑generation HIV vaccines. The successful candidate will use biochemical and structural approaches to investigate antibody–antigen interactions and will work closely with undergraduate researchers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and staff at the Wistar Institute and the University of Pennsylvania. Strong teamwork skills, intellectual curiosity, and an interest in mentoring undergraduate students are highly desirable. The position is for two years with the possibility of annual renewal and is open to candidates with a BS/BA, MS, or PhD. Essential Responsibilities Maintenance of mammalian cells using sterile technique Large‑scale protein expression in mammalian cells and DNA production using E. coli Purification of DNA and recombinant proteins Preparation of samples for structural studies using protein crystallography and electron microscopy (negative stain EM and cryo‑EM) Processing and analysis of EM datasets, including particle picking, two‑dimensional classification, three‑dimensional reconstruction, refinement, and map validation using modern cryo‑EM software packages Interpretation of structural data in collaboration with laboratory members and external collaborators Writing protocols and maintaining laboratory notebooks What you bring Required Qualifications BA or BS in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Structural Biology, or a closely related field. MS or PhD candidates are also encouraged. Minimum two‑year commitment Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, motivation, and effective written and verbal communication Willingness and ability to learn new laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and computational software, including cryo‑EM image processing tools Preferred Qualifications Laboratory experience in protein expression using mammalian cell culture, protein purification, and molecular biology techniques Experience with cryo‑EM data processing and image analysis (e.g., cryoSPARC) is desirable; training will be provided to motivated candidates Experience with protein crystallography or other structural biology methods is a plus Appreciation for collaborative academic research and enthusiasm for mentoring undergraduate researchers What You Will Get You will work in a highly collaborative environment that spans a liberal arts college and a leading biomedical research institute. The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of research projects, contribute to experimental design and data analysis, co‑author high‑impact publications, and present findings at national and international scientific conferences. Competitive hourly compensation is between $21.00 and $24.00, commensurate with experience and education. The College offers a comprehensive benefits program, including retirement contributions, tuition assistance, paid time off, and holiday scheduling. Swarthmore College is committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion so that every member of our community feels a sense of belonging. We actively seek and welcome candidates with diverse perspectives and experiences, exceptional qualifications, and a demonstrable commitment to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy. PA Criminal background check and education verification are required for all staff positions prior to employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr