Research Assistant III – Cell Culture and Reproductive Health

10-Jan-2024

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

64552BR

Job Summary

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 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: 

We are currently seeking a Research Assistant to significantly contribute to a research program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation involving the use of microfluidic cell based in vitro models to study non-hormonal contraception in the female reproductive tract. As part of the Bioinspired Therapeutics & Diagnostics platform and reporting to the Scientist, you will carry-out various cell-based assays and manage primary cell cultures, including, but not limited to, primary vaginal, cervical and fallopian tube epithelial cells and sperm cells. You will be expected to learn new skills, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise, and contribute intellectually to the project. For more information, visit: https://wyss.harvard.edu/focus-area/biomimetic-therapeutic-diagnostics/ 

Position Description

What you'll do:

• With supervision, plan and execute scientific research dealing with microfluidic organ-on-chip, primary cell culture and microbiome co-culture. Working independently under the supervision of staff and team members, execute endpoint assays, including, but not limited to, cell-based qPCR, ELISA, enzymatic assays, imaging and flow cytometry.
• Order supplies and perform support activities and lab maintenance
• Under the supervision of staff, contribute to data analysis and present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute.
• Demonstrate 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 Cell Biology or related field and two or more years of primary mammalian cell culture is required. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• Master's degree in Cell Biology, Bioengineering or Reproductive Health strongly preferred. 
• Candidates with experience in multiple primary cell types strongly preferred. 
• Experience with cell-based assays and cell culture using a microfluidic device is preferred. 
• Proficiency with personal computers and applicable software packages (Microsoft Office). 
• Good written and oral communication skills are essential. 
• Ability to function in a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute is a must. 
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and able to take initiative. 

Additional Information

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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Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. 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

403116 Research Assistant III Lab

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

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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