Research Assistant III - Cell Culture and Blood Clotting-On-Chip

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Why join the Wyss Institute at Harvard University?

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 currently seeking a Research Assistant III to significantly contribute to a research program funded by the Wellcome Leap, “The missed vital sign”, involving the use of human Organ Chips to advance knowledge and development of therapeutics for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). We will be developing a human Organ Chip model of HMB and use it to identify causal factors, as well as discover new non-hormonal HMB therapeutics using multi-omics analysis in combination with an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled computational approach. As part of the Bioinspired Therapeutics & Diagnostics platform and reporting to the Senior Scientist, you will carry out various cell-based assays and manage primary cell cultures, including, but not limited to, primary epithelial and endothelial cell cultures and on chip cultures. Furthermore, you will execute studies on blood perfusion in these human organ chip models of HMB and analyze differences between them and healthy models. You will be expected to learn new skills, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise, and contribute intellectually to the project. For more information, visit: https://wyss.harvard.edu/focus-area/biomimetic-therapeutic-diagnostics/

What you'll do:

• Perform microfluidic organ-on-chip experiments, including primary endothelial cell culture and chip maintenance, in support of thrombosis-on-chip experiments. Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols.
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: coagulation analyses, blood vessel permeability assays and analysis, imaging and analysis of blood vessel morphology, in collaboration with experienced staff members.
• With limited supervision, contribute to data analysis and regularly present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute.
• Provide training and guidance to other lab members on experimental techniques
• Order supplies and perform support activities and perform lab maintenance
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in Cell Biology, biomedical engineering or related field is required. 
• Two or more years of industry or academic laboratory experience in vascular biology, hemostasis, or thrombosis involving primary cell culture is required. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Master's degree is strongly preferred. 
• Willingness to learn and contribute to developing new methods and tools related to blood coagulation analysis on the chip. 
• Prior experience with Vascular Biology or Thrombosis strongly preferred. 
• Candidates with prior wet lab experience, such as with cell-based assays, and imaging or image-processing experience are preferred. 
• Experience with whole blood or blood cells in microfluidic systems to study coagulation and vascular injury is preferred. 
• Proficiency with personal computers and applicable software packages (Microsoft Office). 
• Good written and oral communication skills are essential. 
• Ability to function in a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute is a must. 
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and able to take initiative and deliver results in milestone-driven projects.

• 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,

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.