Postdoctoral Fellow in Biological Engineering

Harvard University

About the Wyss Institute

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We combine the imagination of academia with the focus of industry to translate groundbreaking technologies into commercial products that solve major global challenges.

We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms often consider “too risky”—we prefer the word challenging. Learn more about our technologies, read our latest news, or explore our videos at wyss.harvard.edu.

Position Description

The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow position with expertise in biomolecular engineering or science. The selected candidate will develop hierarchical self-assembly of hundreds to thousands of distinct DNA origami into addressable microstructures, leveraging the principles of crisscross assembly innovated in our lab.

Potential applications include:

• Artificial extracellular matrices for regenerative medicine
• Breadboards for localized molecular computing
• Nanophotonic devices

Additional responsibilities include:

• Presenting experimental results and project updates at internal meetings
• Contributing to strategy discussions and next-step recommendations
• Assisting in writing manuscripts and grant applications
• Mentoring and teaching lab members as needed
• Staying current with relevant scientific literature

Information about the Shih Lab:
Learn more about Dr. William Shih’s innovative work at https://www.shih.hms.harvard.edu/.

Basic Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative, interdisciplinary team

Additional Qualifications

Preferred Skills:

• Proven record of innovative research in an academic or research setting
• Strong organizational and record-keeping skills
• Excellent technical writing, verbal communication, and presentation abilities

Application Instructions

Applications should include:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover Letter describing research interests and goals
3. Full list of publications and up to three relevant scientific papers (attached as PDFs)
4. Names and contact information for three references (letters of recommendation expected)

Submit all materials to:
Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu

Timeline and Duration

• Application deadline: August 21, 2025 (encouraged for full consideration)
• Appointment: One-year term from date of hire, with possible extension based on performance, business need, and funding availability

Salary and Benefits

• Starting Salary: $72,000 – $77,500 (depending on experience)
• Salary determined by years post-Ph.D. (see Harvard Postdoc Guidelines)
• Benefits include:
  • Health, dental, and retirement plans
  • Access to Harvard’s libraries and research core facilities
  • Support from Wyss’s Clinical & Translational Research Core and Machine Shop
  • Mentorship and tuition reimbursement for professional development
  • State-of-the-art lab and office facilities in Boston’s Fenway District, featuring rooftop terrace, fitness center, bike storage, and nearby restaurants and cultural venues

This appointment is represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) – UAW for collective bargaining purposes.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At the Wyss Institute, you’ll join a supportive, dynamic community dedicated to changing the world through innovation. We value diversity, collaboration, and creativity—and we believe that our differences make our community stronger and our work more impactful.