"Postdoctoral Fellow - Orthogonal Protein"

School:

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

Position Description

About the Wyss:

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 this Role:

The Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University seeks outstanding postdoctoral fellow applicants to join a collaborative research team focused on developing screening technologies, specifically to develop a massively parallel screening platform to discover orthogonal protein binders. In addition to carrying out research, the successful candidate will be expected to apply for fellowship funding, contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed, and otherwise contribute to overall lab operations. The applicant will be a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team.

Information about the Church Lab: Learn more about the innovative work led by Dr. George Church here: https://churchlab.hms.harvard.edu/, https://arep.med.harvard.edu/

What you'll do:

• Independently conduct research in in developing screening technologies, specifically to develop a massively parallel screening platform to discover orthogonal protein binders
• Present experimental results and project updates at internal and external meetings and take an active role in strategy discussions related to projects
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute technical knowledge and data to applications
• Maintain a high level of expertise through continuous engagement with scientific literature
• Mentor or train team members or academic interns, as needed

Additional Information:

• We encourage candidates to apply by March 12, 2026.
• Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Salary and Benefits:

• This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines.
• With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) - UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.
• Access to Harvard's libraries and research core facilities, as well as support from the Wyss's in-house Clinical & Translational Research Core and Machine Shop.
• Robust administrative and operational support for office and lab needs.
• Availability of flexible work arrangements for some administrative positions dependent on Institute needs.
• Newly constructed office and laboratory space in Boston's Fenway District. Our space has multiple amenities which include: roof top terrace, fitness center, locker room, bike storage, and close proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions.

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. 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.

Basic Qualifications

What you'll Need:

• Ph.D required, preferably in Bioengineering
• Able to work independently and meet specific goals and milestones and serve as part of an interdisciplinary and collaborative team

Additional Qualifications

Desirable Skills:

• High-throughput in vitro protein-protein interaction assays
• Data science and computational protein design for library screening

Special Instructions

Applications should contain:

• A complete CV
• Cover letter describing research interests and goals
• Full list of publications, and copies of up to three relevant scientific papers
• A list of names and contact information of three references uploaded via a PDF/word doc(expected to provide letters of recommendation)

Contact Information

Wyss Institute Academic Affairs
Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu

Contact Email:

Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu

Salary Range

Starting Salary of $72,000 to $ 77,500 depending on experience

Keywords

Wyss Institute, Computational Protein Design, orthogonal Protein Binders, Biotechnology, Postdoctoral Fellow