Research Assistant I Lab

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Boston, MASSACHUSETTS
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

01-Jul-2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

58885BR


Job Summary

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 14 laboratories is primarily focused on diseases of developing countries.

The Neafsey Lab (https://sites.sph.harvard.edu/neafsey-lab/) uses genomic and transcriptomic sequence data to study vector-borne infectious diseases (principally malaria). The lab employs a perspective informed by population genetics and molecular evolution to investigate interactions between microbes, vectors, and hosts.


Position Description

The successful candidate will assist in research exploring the evolutionary genomics of malaria parasites and Anopheles mosquito vectors. 

The responsibilities of the Research Assistant include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Perform molecular protocols preparatory to sequencing or genotyping samples, including DNA extraction, PCR or whole genome amplification, library construction, and DNA quantitation
  • Execution of genotyping assays for malaria parasites and Anopheles mosquitoes, including locus selection, primer design, and evaluation of assay performance from Illumina sequencing data
  • Manage samples and data with precision, and perform routine computational activities to summarize biological data
  • Perform other duties as assigned

The candidate is required to interact with a large variety of other staff and researchers including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and senior scientists. The candidate will present their work in group and laboratory meetings to update the Principal Investigator.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of July 30, 2023, with the possibility of extension. The primary work location for this position is Boston, MA and in order to be on Harvard payroll, you must reside in one of the following states – MA, NH, RI, ME, CT, VT, NY, or MD. Until our return to campus and full operational status, which is still to-be-determined, this interview process and position will take place in a slightly modified manner – including virtual interviews and a combination of remote and on-site onboarding and work. On-campus/in-person work is expected, though, upon start date – in accordance with approved COVID-related guidelines and protocols.


Basic Qualifications

  • 1+ years of related experience required; combination of education and experience will be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

  • Bachelor's Degree
  • College coursework in Biology or related field strongly preferred
  • 1 year of research experience preferred
  • Experience with sterile technique and basic molecular biology protocols
  • Experience with or knowledge of molecular biology methods
  • Analytical and quantitative skills
  • Experience with DNA extraction and PCR
  • Experience working Google Workspace and Slack
  • High level of initiative
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Experience with multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and great at working 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

Harvard University offers an outstanding benefits package including:

  • Time Off: 3-4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12+ paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision: Excellent and affordable medical, dental & vision plans, with coverage beginning as of an employee's start date.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance & Reimbursement Programs: $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School, discounted options through participating Harvard graduate schools, and reimbursement options for accredited schools outside of Harvard.
  • Transportation: 50% discount on MBTA passes, as well as additional options (rideshare, biking, etc.) to assist employees in their daily commute.
  • Wellness & Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, hard & soft skills development, career planning, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. Additionally, access to Harvard athletic facilities, libraries, campus events -- and many discounts for various cultural and leisure activities throughout metro Boston.
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 University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements . Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage .


Location

USA - MA - Boston


Job Code

403108 Research Assistant I Lab


Department

Immunology and Infectious Diseases


Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers


Appointment End Date

30-Jul-2023


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 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.



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