Research Assistant II – Extracellular Vesicle Research

Research Assistant II – Extracellular vesicle research for applications in neurology and psychiatry

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 learning about the brain, creating diagnostics for brain-based diseases and developing novel molecular technologies in the field of extracellular vesicles. 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 have worked in molecular biology laboratories and have skills such as running ELISAs, Western Blots, qPCR and mass spec. You have familiarity with programing languages such as Python, R or similar. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

The Walt lab spans Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Wyss institute, combining cutting edge biotechnology development with patient outcome focused research. PI David Walt is not only a groundbreaking researcher, but has also spun out his technologies into companies including Illumina, Quanterix and most recently Everest Biolabs. We are thinking not about small and incremental changes, but rather how neurobiology can be thought about in a new way to develop the treatments of tomorrow for applications in psychiatry and neurology. Most importantly we are a highly multidisciplinary lab with engineers, biologists, chemists and physicians all looking at the same problem with different perspectives. (https://wyss.harvard.edu/news/tightening-the-grasp-on-liquid-biopsies/)

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant II with lab experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry to join our team. In this role, you will assist in the development of novel methods for analysis of brain-derived extracellular vesicles. This will include contributing to developing ultrasensitive single molecule array assays. You will also write code for data analysis and will run clinical samples. You will assist in writing manuscripts for data generated. While you will initially conduct experiments planned by others, there is opportunity to take on additional independence in designing experiments and shaping the overall direction of the project. 

What you'll do: 

• With supervision from senior staff, assist in designing and executing experiments towards the development of new diagnostic technologies for psychiatric and neurological diseases.
• With oversight from senior staff, assist in analyzing experimental data, including writing new code to analyze data.
• Order supplies and perform support and lab maintenance activities.
• Under the supervision of senior staff, present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute and assist in writing manuscripts.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Wyss Institute’s community values of courage, collaboration, innovation, impact, diversity, and respect through actions, interactions, and communications with others

What you'll need:

• College background in a biological science or related field is required.
• At least one year of lab research experience in molecular biology or biochemistry is required. Higher education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or related field strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential.
• 2+ years of research experience is preferred. Experience with protein biochemistry (ELISA, Western Blot, immuno-isolation, etc) is advantageous but not required.
• Comfort with Python, R or other coding languages encouraged but not required.

This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal

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