Job Description

About us:

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 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:

The Wyss Institute at Harvard University is seeking an innovative scientific leader with significant experience with microphysiological systems, organoids and immunology to lead a team that is developing clinically relevant in vitro models of human organs, including models of lymphoid organs and intestine to understand the effects of radiation and malnutrition and derisk vaccines. One important part of the long-term vision is to create personalized organ chips that will be used to accelerate development and validation of therapeutics and clinical biomarkers working with industrial partners. Reporting to the Senior Principal Scientist and Faculty Leader, you will manage, develop and inspire a team of junior scientists and research assistants. As a member of the Advanced Technology Team, you will be exposed to many different technologies in areas ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to synthetic biology and materials science, with the goal of identifying new product solutions and the unique opportunity to follow your passion either at the Institute or as a future co-founder of a Wyss start-up.

What you'll do:

Lead lymphoid organ and intestine programs providing oversight of experimental plans and scientific direction.
Provide project management to the team making decisions and implementing strategy and timelines to execute project goals.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, external sponsors and institutions to establish new projects and initiatives that will lead to product development opportunities based on Organ Chip technology.
Contribute to the scientific vision and write research proposals and reports to funding agencies and industry, providing critical data, figures or information for grant and patent submissions
Co-manage existing sponsored agreements and identify new sponsorship opportunities.
Write and collaborate with faculty and other researchers on manuscripts, abstracts and other publications of research findings
In collaboration with the business development team, and other ATT staff, identify new external collaboration opportunities. Work closely with industrial collaborations.
Manage, mentor and train other on research methodology and experimental design.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness through actions, interactions and communications with others.

What you'll need:

Master’s degree in Immunology, Biology or another related field required.
A minimum of 9 years of experience working with microphysiological systems, organoids and immunology; A PhD may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills:

PhD is strongly preferred.
Previous experience as program lead in industry or academia
Deep knowledge in one of the fields listed
Demonstrated acquisition of expertise in new fields is required
Demonstrated success in leading and working in cross-functional teams.
Excellent documentation, analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Comfortable in a fast-paced translational environment and able to adjust scientific approach based upon changing priorities.
Ability to seek out collaborations
Experience in mentoring fellows and/or students

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.

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging :
As a collaborative organization, we at the Wyss Institute know that great innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems. As a result, we are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness both in and out of the lab. When recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you will bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. We believe these differences in background, experience, and perspective enrich our work environment and are essential to our mission of solving complex problems through technology development and translation.