Bio-Soft Lithography Engineer

Position Description

The Center for Nanoscale Systems (CNS) at Harvard University seeks an enthusiastic, scientifically curious individual with a strong growth mindset to work within the Imaging and Analysis Group as a Scientist focused primarily on teaching and supporting researchers about microfluidic device fabrication and cell culture techniques. 

CNS is an open, shared-use facility that serves all of Harvard as well as external academic and industrial users. CNS typically supports more than 1,700 users annually. Working under the supervision of the Imaging and Analysis Facility Manager, and in coordination with the other

Imaging and Analysis staff at CNS, this person will assist in the day-to-day operation of the soft lithography fabrication laboratory at the Science and Engineering Complex in Allston, MA the soft lithography fabrication laboratory and the cell culture laboratory both in the Laboratory for Science and Engineering Cambridge, MA.

Day to day operations of these labs include teaching users safe and correct tool operation and working with users on experimental design, device design, sample preparation, data analysis, and data interpretation.

This person will also be responsible for overseeing CNS’s compliance with Harvard and government safety laws and regulations. Their duties include coordinating with the CNS safety officer to identify potential risks, implementing policies and procedures to uphold safety regulations and monitoring their workplace for adherence to those policies and procedures.

The candidate should be excited about teaching and assisting researchers in their scientific endeavors. The mission of this position is to enable and support other researchers' scientific and engineering endeavors. Strong teaching and interpersonal skills, e.g. approachability, patience, adaptability, confidence, ability to provide clear and concise explanations of complicated concepts, creativity, critical thinking, etc. are essential for this position.

There is also a fair component of equipment maintenance, equipment trouble shooting, and general shared use lab management in the day-to-day operations of these labs.

The candidate needs to be comfortable in a dynamic and fast paced environment assisting users on a wide variety of different types of projects from all across the range of biological and physical sciences. The candidate must have the willingness and the ability to quickly become an expert on a variety of topics. Being a science generalist is key to success in this position.

The incumbent will become resources for the CNS scientific community and must have strong written and verbal communication skills to convey information effectively and efficiently.

The candidate will also on occasion perform work for remote CNS users. Detailed record keeping of instrument activity, experimental results, maintenance, and repair logs, and authoring if standard operating procedures is expected.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline and at least two years of relevant work experience; OR
• A minimum of seven years of relevant work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• The candidate should be self-motivated and able to work independently with a strong desire to acquire on-the-job training, to succeed, and to develop intellectual and practical professional skills.
• Excellent verbal and written skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in teams and with graduate and undergraduate students is essential.
• The candidate must have significant experience in a variety of laboratory environments and be fully comfortable working in a lab environment on a wide variety of tools and projects. Expertise in microfluidic device design and fabrication.
• Expertise in aseptic techniques for cell culturing.
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping such as laser cutting and 3D printing.
• Familiarity with safe handling of nanoparticles.
• Familiarity with gas adsorption for surface area and porosity measurements, and chemisorption and dynamic adsorption studies for characterizing active surfaces.
• Familiarity with fluorescence plate readers, dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements, zeta potential measurements, freeze dryers, ball mills, stylus profilers, optical microscopes.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work in an imaging facility, cleanroom, biological, chemical, and characterization laboratory environments.
• Will work around compressed gases, cryogens, ovens, acids, bases, oxidizers, solvents, vacuum pump oils, and other chemicals. Must be very dexterous; may be required to work on large and small assemblies.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs on occasion.

Working Conditions

Laboratories (BL2, BL], cleanroom) and office setting.

Additional Information

This work is performed on campus in Cambridge and Allston, MA

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 - Cambridge

Job Code

R1057P Research Core Scientist III

Department

Center for Nanoscale Systems

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

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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