Position Description

What you'll do:

• Independently develop and conduct scientific studies with a team of 2-5 people in support of the project’s goals using microfluidic organ-on-chip primary cell culture, attenuated vaccine strains of viral pathogens, adjuvants and various in vitro cell- based assays. These may include well-known techniques like qPCR/TaqMan, ELISA, western blots, enzymatic assays, imaging, and flow cytometry.
• Contribute to research programs in collaboration with industry partners or funded by philanthropic agencies. Current programs use the human lymph node chip and other immune models to identify effective vaccines and adjuvants.
• Initiate and develop projects in immuno-oncology, for example, the study of immunosuppression in cancer.
• Deploy new assays and techniques from their experience, learn new skills, troubleshoot and contribute intellectually to projects with minimal guidance.
• Develop creative solutions to scientific key questions related to using immune models.
• Write and review development documentation including protocols, test procedures for internal and external development work.
• Manages and directs research assistants and trainees in setting timelines, acquiring and maintaining inventory, designing and interpreting experiments.
• Present key results at group meetings, project teams, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Basic Qualifications

What you'll need:

• A Bachelor’s degree required in Immunology or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in aseptic primary human cell culture and biology techniques, such as ELISA, qPCR, microscopy or related experience required. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Working Conditions

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.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• Master’s degree and/or PhD in Immunology or related field, strongly preferred
• Strong interest in contributing to multidisciplinary teams (engineers, biologists/physiologists, clinicians) is critical for this position.
• Characterization of human response to viral infection and therapeutics in vitro
• Expertise in working with influenza and/or coronaviruses, in vitro culture, and inflammatory responses, as well as knowledge of gene editing techniques, flow cytometry, basic molecular and cell biology concepts and techniques is a must.
• Develop cell-based, molecular, and biochemical methods for a pre-clinical discovery and validation program.
• Previous experience in vaccines, viral engineering and/or gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR, is a plus.
• Experience in microbiology and host-microbiome interaction is a plus.
• Expertise in infectious diseases.
• Work experience in pharmaceutical or medical device companies will be a significant addition and will be strongly considered.
• Experience with cell culture in microfluidic device/three-dimensional cell culture/bioprinting is a plus.
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group is essential.
• Experience in analysis software such as Prism, R, Imaris is a plus.
• Experience in preparation of technical reports, journal articles and presentations.
• Experience in authoring and critically reviewing technical documents, study protocols and reports related to assay development, qualification, validation, and clinical sample testing a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, documentation skills and attention to detail, with the proven ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent organizational skills, technical writing, record keeping and ability to manage multiple projects and the ability to be nimble and work in a fast-paced environment are crucial.
• The successful candidate will be an ambitious self-starter, have a strong work ethic, be able to generate high-quality work under tight deadlines, and enjoy working in a fast-paced team environment.

Additional Information

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

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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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.