Research Assistant

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The Lotterhos Lab at Northeastern University, in collaboration with the Nunez lab and the Institute for Agroecology at the University of Vermont (UVM), invites applications for the position of Research Assistant in Invasive Pest Genomics. The intern will contribute to the efforts of an NSF-funded project (https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2418203&HistoricalAwards=false) seeking to better understand the evolution of the spotted wing Drosophila (SWD), a crop pest of soft-bodied fruits that entered the USA in 2008 and has since spread all around the country. The knowledge derived from this study will be valuable to improving conservation practices and help local farmers across New England.
The successful applicant will be on-site in Burlington, VT, and must have their own vehicle and find their own housing for the duration of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of computer programming language(s) for data analysis and visualization
• Knowledge of spreadsheet programs for data management
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work long hours in the field and walk several kilometers
• Rigorous organization habits
• Driver’s license required

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Contribute to fieldwork, data management, and outreach.
• Assemble and monitor traps and baits, conduct fieldwork to collect wild flies, and engage with local farmers.
• Sort trap outputs using morphological markers for species identification, maintain accurate metadata on trap locations, collection times, and sample details, prepare pooled fly samples, and extract DNA using modified commercial nucleic acid kit protocols.
• Perform quality control on nucleic acids with Nanodrop, Qubit, Bioanalyzer, and gel electrophoresis, prepare DNA dilutions in 96‑well plates for sequencing, and coordinate with sequencing providers to ensure timely processing.

UVM Contacts:
Joaquin Nunez, PhD, joaquin.nunez@uvm.edu
Vic Izzo, PhD, vizzo@uvm.edu

NU Contacts:
Katie Lotterhos, PhD, k.lotterhos@northeastern.edu

Position Type

Temporary

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

This job is for a current or anticipated job vacancy.

Pay Rate:

$20-$23 per hour