Research Assistant II Lab

Harvard University, United States

Updated: 12 days ago

02-May-2024

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

65643BR


Job Summary

The Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease (IID) is a dynamic group of laboratories that work on the biological, immunological, epidemiological, and ecological aspects of viral, bacterial, and protozoan infections of humans, including the vectors that transmit these infectious agents. Research in many of the laboratories within the department is focused on diseases of developing countries.


Position Description

As part of a large international collaborative project that involves the biology and genetics of Plasmodium falciparum, a causative agent of human malaria, the Research Assistant (RA) will assist in research that supports projects that leverage population genetics of P. falciparum, toward biological understanding. Molecular surveillance using genetic strategies are applied to natural isolates to identify population genetic patterns or trends that are associated with drug resistance or transmission biology. The RA will engage in biological investigation of hypotheses that emerge from these population studies, with a primary area of investigating involving genetic loci that may play a role in parasite survival (i.e., drug resistance loci).  Phenotypic testing of natural isolates and genetic validation using gene editing approaches is anticipated.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Tissue culture of P. falciparum, including preparation of media and culture reagents, long-term storage and retrieval of cell lines
  • Culture adaptation of patient derived samples and sub-cloning, drug testing and other phenotypic assays, and isolation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and protein samples
  • Execute basic molecular biology techniques including gene cloning, transfection, and analysis of DNA, RNA and protein using standard laboratory techniques
  • Carry out gene-editing activities using CRISPR or other approaches
  • Molecular and genotyping studies that utilize polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, whole genome amplification, gene cloning, amplicon sequencing, and whole genome sequencing and use of a number of genotyping platforms including but not limited to Taqman assays, quantitative assays, copy number variant testing etc
  • Carry out amplicon sequencing, selective whole genome amplification and library construction for whole genome sequencing
  • Support any number of other routine molecular biological procedures as well as basic laboratory duties
  • Performs other duties as assigned
The candidate will be expected to manage samples and data with precision, and perform simple and routine computational activities to summarize biological data. The candidate is required to interact with a large variety of other staff and researchers including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and senior scientists, as required for each responsibility. The candidate will be directly supervised in the laboratory and report to a Research Scientist in the lab, as well present their work in group and laboratory meetings to update the Principal Investigator.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a grant-funded term appointment through 06/30/2025, with the possibility of extension.

PLEASE NOTE: Finalists will be required to complete an occupational health screening. 


Basic Qualifications

  • 2+ years of related experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Knowledge of molecular biology methods and tissue culture
  • College coursework in Biology or related field
  • Experience with P. falciparum a strong plus
  • Experience working with computers
  • Strong analytical and quantitative skills
  • High level of initiative and the works well with little supervision
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and can effectively multi-task
  • Good interpersonal skills and works well in a team environment
The following cultural competencies are also preferred:
  • Awareness of and aptitude to appropriately and effectively understand, respect, and adapt to cultural and identity-based difference within group environments
  • Knowledge of and commitment to concepts and issues tied to social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Skills related to creating and supporting an environment that allows for inclusion, effective intercultural engagement, and personal humility and authenticity

Additional Information

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!

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  • The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship, now or in the future, for staff positions.
  • Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
  • This position has a 90 day orientation and review period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
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The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up to date on CDC-recommended vaccines.


Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.


Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

  • Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
  • Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
  • Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
  • Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
  • Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston


Job Code

403112 Research Assistant II Lab


Department

Immunology and Infectious Diseases


Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers


Appointment End Date

30-Jun-2025


Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Identity


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, we believe that diversity is integral to the Harvard experience and our mission of improving public health education, research and policy. Diversity of cultural backgrounds, identities, lived experiences, perspectives, and ways of understanding the world enriches our community and enables us to best meet the public health needs of the United States and the world. Ongoing learning and development related to diversity allows for both individual and institutional growth, and is necessary to foster and sustain a culture of inclusion. To achieve this, we are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities for learning, living, and working at the Harvard Chan School. We maintain an unwavering dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging as core to our institutional values and to actively counter, minimize, and address racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia, gender bias, and all forms of discrimination.

Learn more about the School’s mission, objectives, and core values , our Principles of Citizenship , and our diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.


EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.


LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-SL1


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