School or Unit: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
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.
Position Description
We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant who is excited about working in an interdisciplinary team environment. Due to the cross-disciplinary nature of Systems Serology and Systems Immunology, we are looking for a Research Assistant (RA) who is capable of learning and executing a wide variety of laboratory techniques, and is eager to work with team members to expand their experimental repertoire.
Duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
Performing research and laboratory protocols, assist in designing and carrying out experiments within a team setting, meticulous record keeping, and presentations of data and journal clubs to small groups and laboratory. The candidate is also expected to quickly learn and carry out immunological and microbiology techniques relevant to antibody profiling and functional characterization with supervision. The candidate will be expected to learn principles and proper technique for flow cytometry, tissue culture, and handling of potential pathogenic materials such as plasma, saliva, urine, and other primary fluids.
The candidate is also expected to develop technical oral and written proficiency skills. This includes a willingness to learn programming languages such as R, python, SAS, etc. The candidate is expected to facilitate with equipment maintenance and calibrations, coordinating with field technicians and vendors, and independently carry out quality control testing regularly after training and experience.
The RA will also perform other duties as assigned.
In addition to the duties above, the candidate will be working in a unique team that is heavily engaged in cross-lab, cross-institution, and international collaborations, and as such will interact with a large variety of other staff and researchers including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and senior scientists. A positive attitude, high enthusiasm, and commitment to a respectful and working environment is a must.
PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of November 1, 2025 of hire with the possibility of extension.
PLEASE NOTE: Some evening and weekend work may be necessary.
Basic Qualifications
1+ years of relevant experience 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 Biological Sciences or related field
1+ experience in a lab setting
Experience with MS excel, R studio or Python, and Adobe (Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator)
Previous experience with flow cytometry
Previous experience with processing of primary fluids
Passion for research
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Detail oriented, highly organized, work well independently and/or with small or large groups
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
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 (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Boston
Job Code: 403108 Research Assistant I Lab
Job Function: Research
Work Format: On-Site
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 052
Department: Immunology and Infectious Diseases
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Time Status: Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Identity
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.
EOE 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.
