Scientist I - Countermeasure Discovery

05-Feb-2024

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

64939BR

Job Summary

The Wyss Institute is seeking a Scientist I to drive a discovery effort that combines genetic (e.g., CRISPR or shRNA-based) and small molecule screening with human Organ Chips. The goal is to identify therapeutic targets and candidate drugs that mitigate injury or accelerate healing after ionizing radiation exposure. While effective radiation countermeasures are needed for medical and military defense situations, there are few FDA-approved drugs for this indication. We are aiming to add to that list. This is an important role in a fast-paced multi-year translational and collaborative project that spans the lung, intestine, bone marrow, and immune Organ Chips.

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.

About You:
You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to improve medicine and address global challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and industry. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific and medical interests and to 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 diverse groups of people and leveraging your own expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the Role:
Reporting to the Senior Scientist II, you will contribute to the discovery effort that combines genetic and small molecule screening with human Organ Chips. As a member of the Advanced Technology team, you will be exposed to many different technologies in areas ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to synthetic biology and material science, with the goal of identifying new product solutions and the unique potential opportunity to follow your passion either at the Institute or as a future co-founder of a Wyss start-up.

Position Description

What you'll do:

• Independently plan and execute experiments that advance radiation countermeasure discovery efforts
• Propose and investigate opportunities to translate organ chip technology and the knowledge gained during countermeasure discovery to other areas of medical need
• Summarize findings and collaboratively assemble reports, publications, and applications for new projects
• Analyze, interpret, and present data at internal + external meetings
• Mentor lab colleagues, including research assistants, students, and postdocs
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others

Basic Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemical biology, or medicine-related field;
• A minimum of 4 years of experience with cell or molecular biology
• Prior experience executing genetic screens (e.g., CRISPR or shRNA) or small molecule screens for a biologic readout

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• Advanced degree strongly preferred
• Primary human cell culture expertise (epithelial or hematopoietic/immune cells)
• Flow cytometry experience with multicolor panels
• Demonstrated scientific productivity (peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or grants)
• Willingness to take initiative to help the team do exciting science and reach common goals

Additional Information

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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Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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

Education, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 9am to 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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