Staff Scientist - Brain Targeting Program

About Us:

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the freedom of academia and the focus of industry in order to translate revolutionary technologies into commercial products and solutions. At the Wyss Institute, faculty from premier academic and clinical institutions collaborate with staff scientists, postdocs, graduate students, industry experts, business development leaders, and entrepreneurs across disciplines to invent and de-risk new technologies that don’t just succeed at making it to the market – they disrupt it. 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, visit: http://wyss.harvard.edu/ 

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 freedom to explore, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to use your ambition to tackle challenging projects in a fast-paced, industry-focused environment without a lot of administrative hurdles. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world. 

About the Role:

We are looking for a talented Scientist to support the discovery and validation of novel antibody (Ab) shuttles that efficiently deliver therapeutic payloads across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the development of human in vitro models of Alzheimer’s disease, along with their use to investigate the role of the BBB in Alzheimer’s Disease mechanisms and treatments. Reporting to the Senior Staff Scientist, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team as part of our Bioinspired Therapeutics and Diagnostics platform. This team synergizes the strength of both in vitro cellular systems (Transwell and Human BBB Chip) and in vivo humanized transgenic mouse models to develop new approaches to brain delivery of therapeutics and diagnostics. For more information, visit: https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/brain-targeting-program-shuttles-for-brain-delivery-of-therapeutics-and-diagnostics/

What you’ll do:

• Contribute significantly to efforts in novel drug and diagnostic delivery across the BBB
• Prepare and analyze mouse tissue and blood for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies
• Perform confocal imaging for in vivo and in vitro studies
• Contribute significantly to in vitro BBB model development and validation in Alzheimer’s disease
• Culture and maintain iPSC cell lines and induce their differentiation to various brain cell lineages
• Develop, validate and perform various protocols including confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell-based Transwell and Chip assays, plate-based ELISA assays, and others
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, learn new skills, troubleshoot, and contribute intellectually to the project
• Perform support activities and lab maintenance as assigned, and function in a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute as well as external collaborators
• 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

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field required
• A minimum of 4 years of experience with cell culture, rodent handling and molecular and cellular biology techniques such as ELISA, Confocal imaging, Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), or related experience. Advanced education may count towards years of experience

Desirable skills:

• Advanced degree is strongly preferred
• Experience with iPSC differentiation is a strong benefit
• Industry experience preferred
• Experience with development, optimization and routine performance of ELISAs
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group
• Proficiency with personal computers and applicable software packages (Microsoft Office, R, Prism and others)

Working Conditions:

This position will be based on our campus in Boston, MA and will require on-campus presence. Subject to business needs, the Wyss Institute generally supports flexible work arrangements.

Harvard requires COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 

Additional Information:
Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation.

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. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all. 

Our outstanding benefits package includes: 

• Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan 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 tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
• Facilities access and Discounts: Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.