Research Assistant II Lab

Harvard University•Boston, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (IID) studies the biological, immunological, epidemiological, and ecological aspects of viral, bacterial, and protozoan diseases in animals and humans, including disease-transmitting vectors. This role supports the Department and the Catterccia Laboratory in research on parasite-vector interactions, with a focus on mosquito reproduction and malaria parasite transmission. The work also contributes to developing and testing chemical interventions to control parasites in mosquitoes and, ultimately, to innovative malaria control strategies. The position requires work with malaria parasites and human-derived samples such as blood. The Research Assistant must be able to work part time in a facility maintained at 80°F and 70–80% relative humidity. The role is fully on-site at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. It is a term appointment ending October 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension. Occasional scheduling flexibility is required, including extended evening hours and work during weekend or holiday closures as needed. The finalist must pass an occupational health screening.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
Ability to handle human-derived samples, including blood, and malaria parasites.
Ability to work part time in a facility with a constant temperature of 80°F and relative humidity of 70–80%.
Ability to accommodate occasional scheduling flexibility, including extended evening hours and weekend or holiday closures as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or a similar field.
Experience in a life sciences molecular biology wet lab environment.
Knowledge, education, or interest in host-vector or host-parasite interactions, public or global health, tropical infectious diseases, and epidemiology.
Experience with routine molecular biology methodologies.
Experience with parasite in vitro culturing or cell culture.
Experience with microscopy and/or mosquito rearing.
General experience working with biosafety level 2+ pathogens.
Experience with high-throughput assays.
Experience with basic laboratory techniques, including preparing standard solutions and dilutions and using micropipettes and common laboratory apparatus.
Experience with Environmental Health and Safety, BSL-2, and ACL-2 requirements.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Experience working collaboratively and independently in a diverse group setting with staff, researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior scientists.
Ability to adapt quickly to the needs of a fast-paced research environment or team.

Responsibilities

Culture malaria parasites, conduct controlled mosquito infections, and perform mosquito microdissections.
Perform routine molecular biology work, including DNA and RNA isolation, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), protein analysis assays, and immunofluorescence microscopy.
Perform molecular cloning and fluorescence microscopy.
Coordinate insectary space and staff, including assisting with staff coverage, scheduling, maintenance, safety compliance, and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) reporting.
Coordinate infection space and its users, assisting with EHS reporting, safety compliance, and maintenance.
Share responsibility for laboratory space knowledge, safety compliance, and EHS reporting.

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one.
Retirement plans with university contributions.
Wellbeing and mental health resources.
Support for families and caregivers.
Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

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