We are currently seeking a Research Assistant to join the Bioinspired Therapeutics & Diagnostics platform at the Wyss Institute. Reporting to the Senior Staff Scientist, you will significantly contribute to a research program funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation involving the use of microfluidic cell based in vitro models to study the role the microbiome and immune component on the intestinal and vaginal epithelium.
You will be expected to understand program milestones and engage with scientific literature associated with them. You will independently manage primary cell cultures, including, but not limited to, primary intestinal organoids or vaginal and cervical epithelial cells and organ specific endothelial cells.
In this role, you will work with your team to plan and execute scientific research dealing with microfluidic organ on chip primary cell culture and microbiome co-culture. You should be able to independently execute and analyze results from endpoint assays and understand how they fit within the context of the research. For instance, cell based qPCR/TaqMan, ELISA, westerns, enzymatic assays, imaging, and flow cytometry.
You will be expected to learn new skills, troubleshoot any technical issues that arise, and contribute intellectually to the project. Other duties include ordering supplies, performing support activities and lab maintenance, and functioning in a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute. You will be expected to develop and transfer protocols related to your work, present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute, and contribute to the writing of research manuscripts. You should demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.
This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal.
The mission of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University is to transform human healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. Developed as an alliance between Harvard and other premier academic and clinical partner institutions, Institute faculty and staff collaborate in high-risk, fundamental research and science-driven technology development. A major focus of the Institute is to translate the technologies developed by its faculty and staff into commercial products and therapies through collaborations with clinical investigators and establishment of corporate alliances and launching startup companies. For more information, visit: http://wyss.harvard.edu/.
Harvard offers an outstanding benefits package including:
- Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 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.
- Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.
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