Research Assistant III - Organ-on-Chip

Company Description

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.

Job Description

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.

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Assistant III to join the Lung Organ on Chip team in Dr. Don Ingber's laboratory. We use advanced Lung Organ Chip models to recapitulate key aspects of human lung physiology and pathophysiology and to study lung cancer progression, tumor-immune interactions, respiratory infections, inflammatory lung diseases, environmental exposures, and responses to candidate therapeutics.

What you'll do:

• Isolate and culture human lung cells with guidance from the lung organ on chip team. Collaborate with team members to set up different types of cocultures.
• Perform microfluidic organ-on-chip experiments, including primary alveolar and endothelial cell culture and chip maintenance, in support of lung-on-chip experiments
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: Luminex assays, permeability assays and viability analysis, imaging, qPCR, etc., in collaboration with experienced staff members.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols; write/update standard operating procedures.
• Follow Harvard's best practices for data storage and sharing experimental records with the team. Order supplies/consumables and maintain shared stocks.
• Maintain tissue culture facilities, including daily maintenance of tissue culture equipment such as hoods, incubators, and water baths.
• Collaborate with other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions to provide project support as needed.
• Contribute to the writing of journal articles, reviews, and patents
• Train other members of the team in specific techniques and/or best practices
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 or more years of full-time research experience involving mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays in an academic, hospital, or industry laboratory setting. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable skills:

• Master's degree is strongly preferred
• Practical experience with core molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid/protein assays, qPCR, ELISA, immunostaining, or similar) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and troubleshoot experimental protocols, maintain careful records, and meet project milestones is required.
• Strong interest and commitment to working within multidisciplinary teams is required.
• Prior experience in lung biology, cancer biology, immunology, infectious disease, or related areas is strongly preferred.
• Experience with microphysiological systems (e.g., Organ Chips), organoids, microfluidics, or 3D cell culture is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and image analysis and/or other quantitative data analysis tools.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment.
• Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency with standard software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.