About us:

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into clinical impact. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges.

About you:

You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating novel, impactful approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial-minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations, and administrative professionals. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for research assistant to join the Immune Organs on Chip team in Dr. Don Ingber's laboratory. We are using immune organs on chip to study vaccines, solid tumors and Lyme Disease. With our work we hope to understand what makes vaccine effective, create an implantable therapy for pancreatic cancer as well as incubate a startup which will design novel Lyme Disease therapeutics. For more information, visit:

• https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/harvards-wyss-institute-receives-funding-award-from-barda/
• https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/the-wyss-institutes-2022-2023-validation-projects/

Reporting to the Principal Scientist leading the team, you will support these studies with the potential to become the go-to person for specific aspects of these research projects. You will learn cutting edge human immunology and organ on chip techniques and may also be exposed to gene editing technology. The ideal candidate is comfortable learning and doing different types of tasks within the same week, has had diverse research experiences and works well within a team.

What you'll do:

• Isolate human immune cells and set up different types of cocultures with them under the supervision of senior staff.
• Seed and culture organ on chip devices with supervision from senior staff.
• Learn and perform laboratory techniques such as immunoassays, qPCR etc.
• Follow an experiment from start to finish and collaboratively store and share data.
• Order supplies/consumables and maintain shared stocks
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols and write/update standard operating procedures
• Maintain tissue culture facilities, including daily maintenance of tissue culture equipment such as hoods, incubators, and water baths
• Collaborate with other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions to provide project support as needed. As an example, you may be asked to provide cells for exciting projects happening around the institute.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others

What you'll need:

• College background in cell biology, biomedical engineering or related fields required.
• At least 1 year of experience involving aseptic mammalian cell culture required including endpoint analysis (ELISA, qPCR, western, or imaging). Education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Science such as Molecular Biology, Immunology, or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft software packages is essential.
• Strong organizational and communication skills to aid in interaction with multidisciplinary groups of biologists, engineers and technology innovators.
• Ability to work in chemical and biological laboratory environments.

This position will be based on our campus in Boston, MA and will require on-campus presence. Subject to business needs, the Wyss Institute generally supports flexible work arrangements.

Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation.

This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Harvard is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Why you’ll like working with us:

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our community will be relocating to a new, state of the art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood in late summer 2023, where you will have access to multiple amenities including a roof terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

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• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

As a collaborative organization, we at the Wyss Institute know that great innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems. As a result, we are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness both in and out of the lab. When recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you will bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. We believe these differences in background, experience, and perspective enrich our work environment and are essential to our mission of solving complex problems through technology development and translation.