The Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease (IID) is a dynamic group of laboratories that work on the biological, immunological, epidemiological, and ecological aspects of viral, bacterial, and protozoan infections of humans, including the vectors that transmit these infectious agents. Research in many of the laboratories within the department is focused on diseases of developing countries.
As part of the infectious disease initiative, the Research Assistant (RA) will assist in research aimed at leveraging population genetics of human malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, toward biological understanding. Biological investigation of genetic loci that may play a role in parasite survival (i.e., drug resistance loci) using gene editing approaches is anticipated.
Duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:- Tissue culture of P. falciparum, including preparation of media and culture reagents, long-term storage and retrieval of cell lines
- Culture adaptation of patient derived samples and sub-cloning, drug testing and other phenotypic assays, and isolation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and protein samples
- Execute basic molecular biology techniques including gene cloning, transfection, and analysis of DNA, RNA and protein using standard laboratory techniques
- Carry out gene-editing activities using CRISPR or other approaches
- Molecular and genotyping studies that utilize polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR, whole genome amplification, gene cloning and use of a number of genotyping platforms including but not limited to Taqman and High-Resolution Melt assays
- Carry out selective whole genome amplification and library construction for whole genome sequencing
- Support any number of other routine molecular biological procedures as well as basic laboratory duties
- Performs other duties as assigned
The candidate will be expected to manage samples and data with precision, and perform simple and routine computational activities to summarize biological data. The candidate is required to interact with a large variety of other staff and researchers including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and senior scientists, as required for each responsibility. The candidate will be directly supervised in the laboratory and report to a Research Scientist in the lab, as well present their work in group and laboratory meetings to update the Principal Investigator.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a grant-funded position with a term appointment through 06/30/2022, with the possibility of extension.
PLEASE NOTE: Finalists will be required to complete an occupational health screening.
PLEASE NOTE: Until our return to campus and full operational status, which is still to-be-determined, this interview process and position will take place in a modified manner – including virtual interviews, remote onboarding, and a combination of remote and on-site (on campus in Boston) lab work. During this time, the shifts are also likely to be irregular (potentially including weekends and off-hours) and may therefore require schedule flexibility.
- Harvard University requires pre-employment reference checks and background screenings.
- This position has a 90 day orientation and review (O&R) period. The O&R period will be waived for any internal Harvard employee transfers.
- The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
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The Harvard T.H. Chan of Public Health is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – including fostering respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. To learn more about the Chan School's mission, objectives, and core values, please visit our website here.
Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:- Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
- Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
- Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
- Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
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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