Research Assistant, Hawdon Lab

Posting Details

I. DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Job Description Summary:

GW’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Tropical Medicine (MITM) conducts innovative, fundamental, basic and translational research for HIV/AIDS and neglected tropical diseases. MITM has a strong tradition of training and policy advocacy for these infectious and parasitic diseases, which initiate and perpetuate poverty and suffering worldwide. Additional information on MITM can be found at the following link: http://smhs.gwu.edu/microbiology/

The department of MITM is searching for a full-time Research Assistant for Dr. Hawdon’s Nematode Parasitology Lab. This position is for a highly motivated team player to work on a project to characterize anthelmintic resistance in hookworms.

This Research Assistant, Hawdon Lab position contributes to research/development by assisting with experiments in a controlled laboratory setting. The core responsibilities of this position include assisting with data collection and administration of experimental procedures, making detailed observations, and assisting senior-level researchers with data analysis and interpretation. This role may compile routine results, may contribute to technical reports and documentation of outcomes, and assist with the preparation of results for publication. Willingness to work with animal specimens, including blood, feces, and urine, is also important. This role has knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field, and performs activities similar to those of a Research Assistant, but is more experienced and independent.

Responsibilities

• Maintain several different species and strains of hookworms and other nematodes, infecting hosts with parasitic nematodes, monitoring parasitic infections by fecal egg counting, basic molecular biology and chemistry experiments, and working with infectious hookworm larvae.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations of the laboratory, maintenance of laboratory records, and compliance with regulations.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and stocking of supplies for the laboratory.
• Oversee undergraduate and work-study students.
• Maintain the best animal handling technique and practices. This position involves working with animals and animal feces.

Perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity working basic molecular biological techniques (e.g. RT-PCR, qPCR, cloning).
• Familiarity with basic laboratory technique and handling animals (rodents and dogs).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with MS Office Suite and GraphPad Prism or R Studio.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.

Hiring Range

$17.95 - $22.51

GW Staff Approach to Pay

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

Healthcare Benefits

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.

II. POSITION INFORMATION

Campus Location:

Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.

College/School/Department:

School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS)

Family

Research and Labs

Sub-Family

Laboratory Research

Stream

Service and Support

Level

Level 2

Full-Time/Part-Time:

Full-Time

Hours Per Week:

40

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 9:00 am-5:30 pm

Will this job require the employee to work on site?

Yes

Employee Onsite Status

On-campus (in person)

Telework:

Required Background Check

Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status. This position is a grant-funded position. Continuation of the position is contingent on grant funding.

Internal Applicants Only?

No

Posting Number:

R002377

Job Open Date:

04/23/2026

Job Close Date:

Background Screening

Successful Completion of a Background Screening will be required as a condition of hire.

EEO Statement:

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.