Research Assistant III - Organ-on-Chip

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 are excited by the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with strong support from scientific, operational, and administrative experts. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to drive innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Assistant III to join the Lung Organ on Chip team in Dr. Don Ingber’s laboratory. We use advanced Lung Organ Chip models to recapitulate key aspects of human lung physiology and pathophysiology and to study lung cancer progression, tumor–immune interactions, respiratory infections, inflammatory lung diseases, environmental exposures, and responses to candidate therapeutics. Our goal is to improve prediction of human drug safety and efficacy, uncover disease mechanisms, and accelerate development of new therapies, including through collaborations with industry partners and potential startup efforts.

Reporting to the Senior Scientist leading the team, you will execute and help optimize experiments using lung cancer and lung infection Organ Chips; culture and maintain primary and established human lung cell types and co culture systems; and assist in developing, troubleshooting, and standardizing human lung microphysiological models for translational studies. You will perform imaging, molecular, and functional assays; analyze and summarize datasets; prepare figures and presentations; and maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks, SOPs, and inventories while contributing to overall lab organization and compliance. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of biologists and engineers, help train and mentor junior staff, co ops, and interns, and learn cutting edge organ on chip, lung cell culture, and analytical techniques. The ideal candidate is comfortable performing a variety of tasks within the same week, has diverse research experience, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast paced research environment.

What you'll do: 

• Isolate and culture human lung cells with guidance from the lung organ on chip team. Collaborate with team members to set up different types of cocultures.
• Perform microfluidic organ-on-chip experiments, including primary alveolar and endothelial cell culture and chip maintenance, in support of lung-on-chip experiments
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: Luminex assays, permeability assays and viability analysis, imaging, qPCR, etc., in collaboration with experienced staff members.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols; 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.
• Collaborate with other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions to provide project support as needed. As an example, you may be asked to provide cells for exciting projects happening around the institute.
• Contribute to the writing of journal articles, reviews, and patents
• Train other members of the team in specific techniques and/or best practices
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 or more years of full-time research experience involving mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays in an academic, hospital, or industry laboratory setting. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable skills: 

• Master’s degree is strongly preferred
• Practical experience with core molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid/protein assays, qPCR, ELISA, immunostaining, or similar) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and troubleshoot experimental protocols, maintain careful records, and meet project milestones is required.
• Strong interest in and commitment to working within multidisciplinary teams is required.
• Prior experience in lung biology, cancer biology, immunology, infectious disease, or related areas is strongly preferred.
• Experience with microphysiological systems (e.g., Organ Chips), organoids, microfluidics, or 3D cell culture is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and image analysis and/or other quantitative data analysis tools.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with standard software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Other Information

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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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 054. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.