Research Assistant I Lab

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Research Assistant

The Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID) focuses on the biological, immunological, epidemiological and ecological aspects of viral, bacterial and protozoan diseases of animals and humans, including the vectors that transmit infectious agents. Research in the department's laboratories is primarily focused on diseases of developing countries.

Insects are a key gateway for spreading disease because of their ability to ferry pathogens from one host to another. These vectors represent important biological touch points, especially in malaria, and we are pursuing innovative research programs to illuminate their roles and identify strategies for future disease control. In Africa where the majority of malaria deaths occur the primary vector of disease is the mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. The malaria parasite is transmitted through the bites of female mosquitoes, whose high reproductive capacity fuels malaria transmission. Therefore, targeting these insects (and the parasites they carry) holds great promise as a strategy for future disease control.

The successful candidate will support the research of the Department and of the Catterccia Laboratory, focusing on parasite-vector interactions. The Research Assistant will study mosquito reproduction and its interaction with malaria parasite transmission, as well as help in the development and testing of new chemical interventions for parasite control in mosquitoes with the ultimate goal of developing innovative malaria control strategies.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Malaria parasite culturing, controlled mosquito infections and mosquito microdissection.
• Routine molecular biological work such as isolation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR), protein analysis assays and immunofluorescence microscopy.
• Mosquito maintenance, if needed.
• Other basic laboratory duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:

• 1+ years of relevant experience is required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology or similar field strongly preferred
• Experience in a life sciences molecular biology wet lab environment
• Knowledge/education/interest in host-vector/host-parasite interactions, public/global health, tropical infectious diseases and epidemiology
• Experience in routine molecular biology methodologies
• Experience with parasite in vitro culturing or cell culture
• Experience with high throughput assays
• Experience with basic laboratory techniques including creating standard solutions, dilutions, use of micropipettes and other common laboratory apparatuses
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Experience working in a diverse group setting, both collaboratively but also independently
• Capacity to quickly adapt to the needs of a fast-paced research environment/team

Additional Information:

• Appointment End Date: June 30, 2027
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!