Job Description
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 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 Catteruccia 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.
Position Description
Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
- 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.
Although full training will be provided, some experience with general molecular biology techniques, parasite in vitro culturing, microscopy and/or mosquito rearing is an advantage, as is general experience working with biosafety level 2+ pathogens. The successful candidate is required to interact and coordinate work with a large variety of other staff and researchers including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and senior scientists, as needed for each responsibility. Other basic laboratory duties may be required as needed.
The Research Assistant must be able to work part time in a facility with constant temperature of 80 F and relative humidity of 70-80%. Handling of human-derived samples such as blood, as well as malaria parasites, is required in this position.
PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of January 5, 2026 with the possibility for extension.
PLEASE NOTE: The finalist will be required to pass an occupational health screening.
PLEASE NOTE: Scheduling flexibility is needed on an occasional basis, such as extended shift hours on evenings, weekend and holiday closures as needed.
Basic Qualifications
- 1+ years of relevant experience is 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 in Biology, Molecular Biology or similar field
- 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 handling insects/mosquitoes
- Experience with parasite in vitro culturing
- 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
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.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website () 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.
Work Format
On-Site
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.
About Harvard University T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
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Job Tags
Holiday work, Part time, Shift work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,