Scientist I - Organ Chips for Radiation and Spaceflight Studies

Posting date: May 01, 2026

Job Reference: 002806SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Boston
• School/Unit: Wyss Institute at Harvard University
• Salary Grade: 056
• Job Function: Research
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• Union: 65 - Harvard Academic Workers
• Work Format: Fully On-site

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. For more information discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

Job Description

About You:

You are a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to improve medicine and address global challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and industry. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific and medical interests and to apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced entrepreneurial- minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations and administrative professionals. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your own expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Principal Scientist, you will:

• Develop potential drugs that mitigate radiation injury and accelerate recovery after ionizing radiation exposure
• Study the effects of radiation exposure, including that associated with spaceflight, on human hematopoietic cells

Your work will involve a variety of methods, including growing primary human hematopoietic cells in standard cultures and Organ Chip devices, single cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and mass spectrometry.

What you'll do:

• Under the direction of the Principal Scientist, independently design, plan, and execute experiments that measure the effects of ground and spaceflight-related radiation on human hematopoietic cells (including those cultured in human Bone Marrow Chips); Test potential radiation countermeasures in those culture systems; Some countermeasures may also be tested in mouse models of radiation injury
• Analyze, interpret, and present data at internal and external meetings; Provide technical and strategic feedback in project meetings
• Collaboratively assemble reports and project summaries; contribute to funding applications and publications
• Mentor lab colleagues, including research assistants, students, and postdocs
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, chemical biology, or biomedical-related field is required.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience with cellular or molecular biology is required. Education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills:

• Demonstrated scientific productivity (peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or grants)
• Advanced degree (Ph.D.) strongly preferred
• Mammalian cell culture experience strongly preferred
• Flow cytometry and experience with analyzing RNA and DNA sequencing data is desirable
• Willingness to take initiative to help the team do exciting science and reach common goals

Additional Information

• 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.

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 056. 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.