Research Assistant III - Immune Organ-on-Chip

003078SR


School/Unit Wyss Institute at Harvard University
Job Function Research
Location Boston
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 054
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Union 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Term Appointment Yes

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 , , .

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 are excited by the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with strong support from scientific, operational, and administrative experts. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to drive innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Assistant III to join the Lymph Node Organ on Chip team in Dr. Don Ingber’s laboratory. We use advanced Lymph Node Organ Chip models to recapitulate key aspects of human immunobiology to study human immune responses against vaccines, pathogens and/or foreign antigens, tumor–immune interactions, inflammation, environmental exposures, and responses to candidate therapeutics. Our goal is to improve prediction of human drug safety and efficacy, uncover disease mechanisms, and accelerate development of new therapies, including through collaborations with industry partners and potential startup efforts.

Reporting to the Director leading the team, you will execute and help optimize experiments using Lymph Node Organ Chips; culture and maintain human immune cells, primary human cells and human cancer cell lines and co culture systems; and assist in developing, troubleshooting, and standardizing human lymph node microphysiological models for translational studies. You will perform imaging, molecular, and functional assays; analyze and summarize datasets; prepare figures and presentations; and maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks, SOPs, and inventories while contributing to overall lab organization and compliance. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of biologists and engineers, help train and mentor junior staff, co ops, and interns, and learn cutting edge organ on chip, lung cell culture, and analytical techniques. The ideal candidate is comfortable performing a variety of tasks within the same week, has diverse research experience, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast paced research environment.

What you'll do:

• Isolate and culture human immune cells with guidance from the lymph node organ on chip team. Collaborate with team members to set up different types of cocultures.
• Perform microfluidic organ-on-chip experiments, including primary immune cell, cancer cell and other primary human cell culture and chip maintenance, in support of lymph node-on-chip experiments
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: Luminex assays, cytokine MSD assays, flow cytometry, viability analysis, imaging, qPCR, neutralizing assay 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. As an example, you may be asked to provide cells for exciting projects happening around the institute.
• 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

What you’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Two 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 immunology techniques (e.g., immune cell isolation and culture, flow cytometry, 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 in and commitment to working within multidisciplinary teams is required.
• Prior experience in immunology, cancer biology, 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, FlowJo or similar).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• 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

Other Information:

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 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 .

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to and . 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 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 . Harvard's and help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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