Research Assistant Lab

Position: Research Assistant I Lab

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?

The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world‑renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued.

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. Insects are a key gateway for spreading disease, particularly malaria. The Research Assistant will study mosquito reproduction and its interaction with malaria parasite transmission, and help develop and test new chemical interventions for parasite control in mosquitoes to advance innovative malaria control strategies.

Duties

and Responsibilities

• Mosquito breeding (wild type and transgenic lines)
• Malaria parasite culturing, controlled mosquito infections and mosquito microdissection
• Routine molecular biological work such as isolation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reactions (qRT‑PCR)
• Other laboratory duties as assigned

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

Although full training will be provided, some experience with mosquito breeding is desired. Desired skills include general molecular biology techniques, parasite in vitro culturing, microscopy, and experience working with biosafety level 2+ pathogens. The successful candidate will interact and coordinate work with a large variety of staff and researchers, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior scientists, and will be able to integrate into the team for several years, contingent on funding availability.

The position requires working part‑time in a facility at a constant temperature of 80 °F and relative humidity of 70–80%. Handling of human‑derived samples such as blood and malaria parasites is required.

Qualifications Basic Qualifications

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

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology or a similar field strongly preferred
• Master's Degree a plus, but not necessary
• Experience handling insects/mosquitoes
• Experience in a life sciences molecular biology wet lab environment
• Experience with routine molecular biology methodologies
• 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 and independently
• Capacity to quickly adapt to the needs of a fast‑paced research environment/team

Additional Information

• Appointment end date: 12/31/2026
• Standard hours/schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa sponsorship:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre‑employment screening: identity, criminal record
• The position has a 90‑day orientation and review period; the O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers

Work Format Details

This position requires all duties and responsibilities to be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 052. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges…