Address
Form of workSummary:
The Ragon Institute is a highly unique, innovative, and collaborative research center at the forefront of biomedical science. Founded by Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, the Ragon vision is a bold one: to harness the power of the immune system to prevent and cure human disease on a global scale. This vision is pursued and advanced every day by a group of highly motivated individuals. The Ragon Institute, at every level, depends upon collaboration, compassion, dedication, and innovation. It is a results-oriented organization that seeks people who not only embrace these values but who thrive in teams and want to work in a dynamic environment.
The Idris Lab is at the forefront of malaria research, aiming to address the knowledge gaps surrounding the mechanisms that underlie durable immunity against malaria. Our lab is interested in revealing the vulnerabilities of this parasite and gaining an understanding of its impact on the host immune response. These valuable insights have led to the discovery of potent monoclonal antibodies that target the pre-erythrocytic stage of the parasite's life cycle and prevent infection. By leveraging in vitro and in vivo models and studying naturally exposed and vaccinated human cohorts, we aim to identify novel targets for the development of more effective antibodies and vaccines.
We are currently seeking a highly ambitious, adaptable, structured, and detail-oriented Malaria Parasitologist to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of malaria immunity and contribute to the development of novel anti-malarial biologics.
Job Duties:
- Manage in vivo rodent malaria research.
- Organize and maintain Plasmodium frozen stocks for mosquito infections.
- Monitor mosquito infection status: blood feeding, natural transmission, and parasite isolations.
- Conduct mosquito dissections to isolate midguts (oocysts) and salivary glands (sporozoites).
- Maintain malaria-infected mosquito colonies and conduct in vivo malaria challenge experiments in rodents.
- Evaluate the efficacy of malaria vaccines and antibodies in mouse models.
- Design rodent malaria layouts/challenges to establish new protocols, procedures, doses, and risks for malaria experiments.
- Conduct pre-clinical evaluation (PK and PD experiments) for malaria vaccines and monoclonal antibodies.
- Collect, analyze, interpret, and report data for presentations, reports, and publications.
- Record procedures and research project data in accordance with regulations.
- Monitor and maintain laboratory supplies; prepare purchase requests.
- Perform routine maintenance of lab work areas and specialized instruments.
- Supervise and train technicians and other personnel as needed.
Minimum degree and field of knowledge: PhD
Years experience required: 3 years experience
Qualifications:
- PhD in immunology, parasitology, cell biology, microbiology, biochemistry, or a related field.
- Three or more years of experience working with malaria.
- Proficiency in routine technical procedures in mice.
- Experience in preclinical malaria mouse challenge models, mosquito dissection, IVIS imaging, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, antibody/protein purification, ELISA, ELISPOT.
- Strong adherence to safety standards and lab policies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Basic skills in applicable computer programs.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
The above job description details the major duties and qualifications of the listed position. The individual hired to this position confirms that they are able to perform all duties outlined. Although the specific duties and responsibilities of this position may vary slightly, the supervisor of this position will ensure that the individual hired to this position is trained and qualified to complete each task assigned.
