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 Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—which includes 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university's residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern's personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today's highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.