Research Assistant II - Organs-on-Chip and Intestinal biology

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:

We are looking for a research assistant to join the Intestine Organs on Chip team in Dr. Don Ingber's laboratory. We are using Intestine Organ on Chip to study and model the intestinal tract and microbiome and its influences on diseases, such as malnutrition- associated with environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and radiation- induced injury, as well as therapeutic responses. The organ-chip model of intestinal injuries will help us to understand the molecular, genetic and nutritional bases of the disease and the testing of candidate therapeutics for it.

Reporting to the Principal Scientist leading the team, you will support these studies by performing cell isolation, co-culture, and molecular biology techniques. The ideal candidate is comfortable learning and doing different types of tasks within the same week, has had diverse research experiences, and works well within a team.

What you'll do: 

• Under the supervision of the intestine and immune organs on chip team, isolate human immune cells and set up different types of cocultures.
• Under the supervision of senior staff, perform laboratory techniques such as immune assays, qPCR, etc. and conduct planned experiments.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols and write/update standard operating procedures.
• Follow Harvard's best practices for data storage and sharing experimental records with the team. Order supplies/consumables and maintain shared stocks.
• Maintain tissue culture facilities, including daily maintenance of tissue culture equipment such as hoods, incubators, and water baths.
• Provide project support to other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions as needed. As an example, you may be asked to provide cells for exciting projects happening around the institute.
• Support the preparation of journal articles, reviews, and patents
• 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 cell biology, biomedical engineering, or related fields is required.
• At least 1 year of experience involving aseptic mammalian cell culture and endpoint analysis (ELISA, qPCR, western, or imaging) is required. Education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills:

• A bachelor’s degree in Biological Science such as Molecular Biology, Immunology is preferred.
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft software packages is essential.
• Strong organizational and communication skills to aid in interaction with multidisciplinary groups of biologists, engineers, and technology innovators.
• Able to work in chemical and biological laboratory environments.

Additional Information:

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

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

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 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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