Scientist I- Behavioral Neuroscience

24-May-2024

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

65978BR

Job Summary

The Wyss Institute is seeking a behavioral neuroscientist to join a multi-institute scientific program focused on the development of novel anesthetics. Currently, no anesthetic compound can safely be used in the absence of strict vital sign monitoring and physiological maintenance. There is therefore an unmet need for anesthetics that can be used in situations where medical experts and sophisticated monitoring equipment are not available, such as on the battlefield, in the context of natural disasters, and in remote areas. Our goal is to develop a new class of drugs that can induce general anesthesia without compromising the patient’s vital functions and without requiring an anesthesiologist or life-support and monitoring equipment.

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 commercial products that solve big problems. 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. For more information discover our technologies , catch up on our recent news , or watch our latest videos .

About You:

You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel 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:

Reporting to the Senior Scientist I, you will support behavioral screening and characterization efforts for a multi-institute scientific program focused on the development of novel anesthetics. You will use existing experimental setups and develop new ones for measuring and quantifying key behavioral metrics that need to be met for achieving general anesthesia, using Xenopus tadpoles as a model. As a member of the Advanced Technology Team (ATT), you will be exposed to many different technologies ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to synthetic biology and materials science to identify ambitious solutions to problems of global importance and turn these solutions into new products.

Position Description

What you'll do: 

• Develop novel behavioral experimental setups for measuring sensory-evoked and spontaneous behaviors in freely swimming Xenopus tadpoles. Design and perform experiments to test the safety and efficacy of novel anesthetics.
• Write code to analyze, interpret, and present data at internal and external meetings
• Summarize findings and collaboratively assemble reports, publications, and applications for new projects.
• Mentor lab colleagues, including research assistants, students, and postdocs.
• Contribute to grant applications, publications, and patent applications.
• Demonstrates 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 in neuroscience, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field required
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in behavioral neuroscience. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.
• Proficiency in programming in MATLAB and/or Python required

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desired Skills:

• Full-time post graduate industry experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Neuroscience or related fields is strongly preferred.
• Experience with handling and working with small aquatic vertebrates such as Xenopus tadpoles or larval zebrafish.
• Experience in designing behavioral assays for measuring spontaneous and sensory-evoked behaviors.
• Experience developing software for analyzing video recordings and extracting information related to animals’ behavior relative to external stimuli and in the context of different treatments.
• Experience with performing statistical data analysis.
• Background in drug development and high-throughput screening assays.
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group (engineers, biologists, physiologists, clinicians).
• Experience in the preparation of technical reports, journal articles, and presentations.
• Experience in authoring and critically reviewing technical documents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, documentation skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational skills, technical writing, record keeping, ability to manage multiple projects, and 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

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 facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top 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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Work Format Details

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

RS0156 Researcher II Natural Science

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

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.

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