Senior Principal Scientist

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

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 visionary, strategically minded scientific leader with deep expertise in translational science, therapeutic or diagnostic development, molecular or cellular biology,  with experience applying computational approaches to support scientific decision-making.

You thrive in interdisciplinary environments and excel at driving programs from concept to preclinical readiness while shaping strategic direction. You enjoy partnering with experimental and computational colleagues to integrate wet-lab insights with advanced analytical methods. You are impact-driven and energized by transforming innovative technologies into real-world solutions.

About this Role: 

As Senior Principal Scientist, you will serve as the scientific and translational strategy lead for multiple programs within the Artzi Lab, while contributing to cross-Institute scientific, computational, and data-driven initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer/Technology Translation Director and  in coordination with Professor Artzi, you will define scientific strategy, oversee program execution including integrating AI models and predictions into the lab’s work (including in material development, targeted delivery strategies, and technology optimization). You will help guide projects toward translational and commercial milestones.

What you'll do: 

Scientific and Translational Leadership:

• Lead scientific strategy, experiment planning, and translational direction across multiple therapeutic, diagnostic, and platform technologies within the Artzi Lab.
• Guide assay development, molecular or cellular characterization, and data interpretation to demonstrate feasibility and accelerate technology maturation.
• Drive translational de-risking by shaping key studies, identifying scientific opportunities, and aligning research efforts with program goals.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on experimental execution, analytical characterization, and cross-functional scientific strategy.
• Partner with intellectual property teams to develop novel and impactful patent filings.
• Apply core Artzi Lab technologies, tools, and scientific approaches, and help integrate them into broader translational strategy.

Program & Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor scientific personnel, providing guidance across experimental, computational, and translational domains.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and ensure that program milestones are met with scientific rigor and strategic clarity.
• Build strong relationships with faculty, clinicians, collaborators, and business development professionals to advance program goals.
• Help forge partnerships with clinicians across Harvard-affiliated hospitals and support integration of patient-derived insights into research and development.

Strategic Planning & External Engagement:

• Develop and refine translational strategies that incorporate scientific, computational, regulatory, and commercial considerations.
• Engage with industry partners, clinical collaborators, and philanthropic organizations to position technologies for successful translation.
• Participate in building collaborative opportunities that bring new expertise, datasets, or analytical capabilities into Wyss programs.
• Communicate program updates, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior Wyss leadership and stakeholders.
• Engage with partnering hospitals to leverage patient data and clinical needs to inform scientific strategy.
• Contribute to grant writing and help build relationships with external partners, including companies and foundations.

Computational & Data Strategy:

• Help design and apply AI/ML models to inform material design, delivery strategies, project prioritization, and translational decision-making.
• Integrate computational approaches—such as multi-omics analysis, molecular design, imaging analytics, or predictive modeling—to enhance program decision-making.
• Identify and evaluate new computational tools, analytical methods, and external datasets that strengthen translational readiness.
• Work with data scientists, computational biologists, and software engineers to ensure cohesive integration of computational and experimental workflows.
• Guide the application of data-driven frameworks for mechanism-of-action studies, biomarker identification, or technology optimization.
• Support development of scalable data resources and analysis pipelines that enable reproducible, high-quality scientific insights.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Oversee operational planning and resource allocation for complex scientific programs.
• Prepare and manage budgets spanning multiple projects and funding sources.
• Produce high-quality scientific documents, including grant applications, study protocols, analyses, and strategic reports.

What you'll need:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Computational Biology, or a related field. 
• 15 years of experience in translational research, therapeutic or diagnostic development, or related scientific leadership roles;  Education may count towards experience. 

Desirable skills: 

• PhD strongly preferred in Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Computational Biology or related field.  
• Full-time post graduate industry  experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
• Proven track record leading complex scientific programs and advancing technologies toward translational or commercial milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor scientific teams across experimental and/or computational disciplines. 
• Strong foundation in molecular or cellular biology, assay development, analytical characterization, or related areas relevant to translational science.
• Experience with computational analysis, biologics engineering, biomolecular assay development, or translational evaluation of emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with multi-omics data, imaging analysis, or predictive modeling is beneficial but not required.
•  Ability to integrate diverse scientific approaches—experimental and computational—to inform program strategy.
• Strong record of working with external partners to shape program direction and support high-impact collaborations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing, strategic communication, and presenting to senior audiences.
• Demonstrated success in generating impactful intellectual property and contributing to commercialization efforts.

• 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 some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 061. 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.