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.

Position Description

The successful candidate will support the research of the Department and of the Catterccia 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.

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.

Preference will be given to an experienced life sciences/molecular biology wet lab technician willing to integrate out team and uphold our research program for several years, contingent on funding availability.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of August 30, 2025 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 strongly preferred
• Master's Degree a plus, but not necessary
• 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

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

Working Conditions

Candidate 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.

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.

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Job Tags

Holiday work, Part time, Shift work, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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