Research Assistant IV - Bioengineering and Biosensors

11-Dec-2024

Research Assistant IV - Bioengineering and Biosensors

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

67497BR

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. 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 sustainability and beyond. 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: 

The Wyss Sustainability Initiative is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to join our innovative team. In this role, you will be part of a team that develops cutting-edge biosensor technology and contribute to various sustainability-related projects. You will report to the Principal Scientist, and receive technical guidance from the biosensor team and Senior Scientist. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will exercise technical discretion to ensure high standards of research and innovation, maintain accurate records, and contribute to research reports and publications. 

Position Description

What you'll do: 

• Independently develop and optimize biosensor technology, including strain engineering, assaying, and automation in collaboration with the Principal Scientist and Senior Scientist
• Contribute to seeding new projects in areas such as biomaterials, biomanufacturing, bioremediation, and novel foods
• Provide technical support and expertise to ongoing projects, ensuring high standards of research and innovation; provide training and mentorship to junior technicians and other project staff
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and objectives
• Maintain accurate records of experiments and data analysis
• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, presentations, and publications independently in collaboration with the project team
• 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

Basic Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field is required.
• Three or more years of hands-on lab experience involving molecular biology techniques, such as molecular cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, protein purification, and cell/tissue culturing microbiology is required. Advanced education may count towards years of experience. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• Master's degree is preferred.
• Four or more years of hands-on lab experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience in laboratory automation, including the development of high-throughput workflows for protein construction, culturing, purification, and validation is strongly desired. 
• Experience with microbiology and molecular techniques in various microbes
• Computational skills, including basic understanding of programming languages for developing and optimizing automation scripts
• Skills related to biosensor discovery, characterization, and optimization, including plasmid design, directed evolution, and flow cytometry/FACS.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with experience in training staff and mentoring students.
• Proven track record of contributing to grant and paper writing and external funding efforts
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and maintain high standards of data integrity in a fast-paced environment 

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 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay up to date on career information and the latest news from the Wyss Institute.
 

Work Format Details

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

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.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403125 Research Assistant IV (Lab)

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

055

Department

Wyss Institute

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

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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