Ragon Institute of MGB, MIT and Harvard

Program Type

SURGH

Organization Name

Ragon Institute of MGB, MIT, and Harvard

Internship Location

600 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

Organization

The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard is a collaborative research center focused on understanding the immune system and translating insights into solutions for major global health challenges.

Within this environment, the Idris group focuses on identifying malaria parasite vulnerabilities and understanding how infection shapes the host immune response. By studying human cohorts and using in vitro and in vivo models, the team aims to discover new intervention points and evaluate anti-malarial biologics. This work supports the development of next-generation vaccines and antibody-based strategies.

Position Overview

This internship provides hands-on experience in malaria immunology within the Idris group at the Ragon Institute. Interns will support ongoing research aimed at understanding how the malaria parasite interacts with the immune system and identifying opportunities for new interventions.

Working alongside experienced researchers, the intern will learn core laboratory skills, contribute to data collection, and participate in research discussions. The goal is to provide meaningful scientific training while building curiosity, technical skills, and confidence in a collaborative research environment.

Project Details

Malaria remains a major global health burden, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where young children and pregnant women are most affected. Despite progress through diagnostics, treatment, and vector control, drug and insecticide resistance threaten continued gains. Plasmodium—the parasite causing malaria—has a large genome and complex multi-stage life cycle, creating major challenges for the immune system and for vaccine development.

This project will use in vitro and in vivo malaria models to:
• Identify new sites of vulnerability in the parasite
• Study host immune responses
• Evaluate the efficacy of potential anti-malarial biologics such as antibodies and vaccines

Through these approaches, the research aims to discover novel candidates that target the pre-erythrocytic stage of the parasite life cycle and prevent infection—supporting impactful global health solutions.

Intern Responsibilities

• Broaden scientific skills and gain foundational experience in malaria immunology
• Contribute to ongoing experiments and learn established methods under the guidance of Dr. Azza Idris
• Develop skills in critical thinking, data organization, and scientific communication
• Participate in experimental planning, data recording, basic analysis, and discussion of results
• Gain exposure to laboratory management skills and participate in workshops, seminars, or presentations as appropriate

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience:
• Strong interest in immunology, infectious diseases, global health, or related biological sciences
• Completion of introductory coursework in biology, chemistry, or a related field
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and follow protocols carefully
• Ability to work responsibly in a lab setting with strong attention to detail and organization
• Strong communication skills and readiness to contribute to a collaborative research environment

Learning Outcomes

The intern will gain hands-on research experience in malaria immunology, including:
• Exposure to experimental design, laboratory techniques, and data interpretation
• Understanding how human cohorts, in vitro assays, and model systems are used to study parasite biology and immune responses
• Strengthened scientific communication through group meetings and discussions
• Development of professional skills such as organization, critical thinking, and collaborative problem-solving

This experience provides a strong foundation for future academic or research paths.

Nature of Internship

Infectious Disease

Keywords

Biomedical engineering, bench science, wet lab, research

Additional Onboarding for Selected Intern(s)

Interns must complete immunization verification and mandatory laboratory safety training (e.g., blood-borne pathogens). CITI training is required for those participating in mouse-related work. All steps must be completed before beginning lab activities.

Work Environment

Fully in-person. One member of the lab support staff works remotely, but daily research activities require on-site participation.