Research Assistant II Lab

17-Aug-2022

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

59450BR

Job Summary

The Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID) was formed in 1997 when the Departments of Cancer Biology, Molecular and Cellular Toxicology and Tropical Public Health were merged. The department 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.

As part of the Duraisingh laboratory, the successful candidate will will be responsible to support our research focusing on parasite and host interactions. To learn more about the lab, please visit: https://sites.sph.harvard.edu/duraisingh-lab/

Position Description

Responsibilities will primarily include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assisting with culturing malaria parasites
• Performing laboratory experiments using specific techniques and equipment
• Collecting project data and reporting experimental results

• Isolation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and molecular cloning and gene editing
• Basic laboratory duties  (such as media preparation)
• Other duties as assigned (such as ordering of supplies)

Basic Qualifications

• 2+ year of relevant experience required; a combination of education and experience may be considered

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following job-specific skills and competencies are preferred:

• BA/BS in biological sciences with experience in basic molecular and cellular biology preferred
• College background or equivalent experience, preferably in biological sciences
• Experience with cell culture is desirable but not required
• Some experience of parasite or cell culture is an advantage as is general experience working with biosafety level 2+ pathogens
• Experience with decision making and independently conducting experiments and analyzing data is also preferable
• Basic laboratory techniques including creating standard solutions, dilutions, use of micropipettes and other common laboratory apparatus
• Attention to detail, organizational skills in managing data, strong communication skills, interpersonal skills and works well in a group setting

• 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.

• 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.

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

403112 Research Assistant II Lab

Department

Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

30-Sep-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.