Scientist II

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 the Role:

We are looking for a talented scientist to lead the development and characterization of our antibody brain shuttle compounds and to optimize our shuttles for specific payloads in neurodegenerative diseases. Reporting to the Principal Scientist, you will work closely with our team, Brain Targeting Program (BTP), using both in vitro cellular systems and in vivo humanized mouse models. You will determine brain PK/PD profiles of our shuttle compounds, their biophysical properties, and assess therapeutic applications. 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.

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 freedom to explore, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to use your ambition to tackle challenging projects in a fast-paced, industry-focused environment without a lot of administrative hurdles. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

What you'll do:

- Independently develop, validate, and perform various protocols including confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, plate-based ELISA assays, and others
- Present data and results at internal and external meetings; Mentor and train less experienced technicians, academic trainees, and others
- Lead vitro and in vivo validation of antibody shuttles, using protein and cell binding assays, and in vivo brain and blood pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies in mouse models; In vivo procedures include tail-vein intravenous injection, tissue (brain, blood and peripheral tissues) harvesting and lysate preparation;
- Perform ELISAs using various types of samples; analyze and summarize data timely and accurately;
- Conduct biophysical characterization of antibodies, including but not limited to affinity determination with SPR, BLI, and stability and purity assessment

- Lead one or more projects to engineer and optimize shuttles for specific therapeutic payloads to treat brain diseases.
- Perform support activities and lab maintenance as assigned, and function in a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute, as well as with external collaborators.

Qualifications

What you'll need:

- Bachelor’s degree neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience with cell culture, rodent handling, protein/antibody analytics, and molecular and cellular biology techniques such as ELISA, western blotting, confocal imaging, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), or related experience. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable skills:

- PhD strongly preferred in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field.
- Industry experience preferred.
- Experience with protein science and analytics, including experience with BLI, SPR, SEC and others.
- Ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with a multidisciplinary, diverse group of scientists and allied personnel.

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, Criminal, Occupational Health Screening.

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.

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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 057. 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.