Research Assistant III - Brain Targeting Program

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 to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating and commercializing novel approaches to global challenges in healthcare and sustainability. You want the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and 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 highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Assistant III to join the Brain Targeting Program (BTP) team and support antibody brain shuttle compound screening and validation in vivo and in vitro. The mission of the Wyss BTP is to develop a robust modular brain delivery platform that is able to deliver large-molecule therapeutics for diverse brain diseases. We aim to help expand the pipeline of CNS drugs by making our platform broadly available to companies, academics and non-profit organizations. 

Reporting to a Scientist on the team, you will support in vivo functional screening studies of brain shuttle antibodies via close collaboration with the veterinary team; assist in developing, troubleshooting, and standardizing in-house developed in vitro assays to assess antibody shuttle function and developability; perform tissue processing and downstream analytical assays, such as ELISAs; analyze and summarize datasets; o prepare figures and presentations; contribute to overall lab organization and compliance. 

The ideal candidate has strong rodent handling experience, including intravenous injection (IV), cardiac perfusion, and brain and peripheral tissue harvesting, is detail orientated and excited for translational research, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast paced research environment.

What you'll do: 

• Support in vivo functional screening:
  • Accurately prepare drugs for in vivo studies.
  • Proficiently perform drug dosing (IV, IP, SC), cardiac perfusion and tissue dissection; perform downstream tissue processing, including lysate preparation, and tissue sectioning; perform ELISAs using tissue lysates and plasma samples.
  • Manage mouse line inventory in animal facility.
• Support in vitro tissue culture and maintain cell lines; accurately perform cell-based assays.
• Efficiently organize and keep track of lab materials and reagents; perform support activities, including ordering supplies and shipping/receiving materials.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols; write/update standard operating procedures, and actively perform troubleshooting when needed.
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 15-30 pounds, and push and pull heavy equipment. Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7-hour shift and be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time. Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts, and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.
• The ability to work after regular hours and on weekends on occasion is required for this role.

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, or related field is required.

• 2 or more years of experience with rodent handling, drug administration (IV, IP, SC), tissue harvesting and processing, or related experience is required. Advanced education may count towards years of experience. 
   

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

• Practical experience with tissue culture, western blotting, flow cytometry, and plate-based assays (e.g., ELISA) is required.
• Industry experience is preferred.
• Experience with mouse genetics, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy is preferred.
• Proficiency with standard software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office, GraphPad Prism, FlowJo) and quantitative data analysis (e.g. image analysis) is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and troubleshoot experimental protocols with critical thinking, maintain careful records, and meet project milestones.
• Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.
• 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, Criminal
• Other Information: Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation

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.

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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 054. 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. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.