Research Assistant II - Biosensors and Microfluidics

06-Sep-2024

Research Assistant II - Biosensors and Microfluidics

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

66695BR

Job Summary

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:

We are seeking a Research Assistant to work on research projects involving electrochemical and optical assay development, sensor fabrication, and integration into novel diagnostic platforms. Reporting to the Senior Engineer, you will learn the microfabrication techniques used within the group in order to contribute to the Microfabrication of devices with low sample volume consumption, rapid sample-to-results and high-throughput. Specifically, microfluidics and the integration of multiple and multiplexed sensitive detection schemes into one device are the main challenges that will need to be addressed. In this role, you will have an opportunity to learn new skills, contribute to Electro-chemical assay development, and contribute intellectually to the project within a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute.

Position Description

What you’ll do:

• Under the supervision of staff, assist in designing and microfabricating the devices, contribute to developing bioanalytical assays, and test the platform.
• Assist academic staff in designing experiments and benchmarking the performances of the bioanalytical sensing system against more conventional assays such as ELISA, PCR etc.
• Order supplies and perform general lab maintenance.
• Support the preparation of manuscripts and patent applications.
• Under the supervision of staff, present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Wyss Institute’s community values of courage, collaboration, innovation, impact, diversity, and respect through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Basic Qualifications

What you'll need:

• College background in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Mechanical Engineering or related field is required.
• A minimum of 1 year of lab experience involving the development of biosensors, microfluidics, or basic biology techniques such as ELISA is required. Education may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Biochemistry or Bioengineering is preferred.
• Candidates with previous experience in biosensing, microfluidics design, microfabrication (e.g. photolithography, metal patterning, soft lithography, rapid prototyping), electrochemical sensing (e.g. amperometry, potentiometry, impedance), optical sensing (e.g. colorimetry, SPR, fluorescence, chemiluminescence), bioassay development (e.g. antibody, DNA or enzyme based), mechanical engineering (3D design, printing), and/or electrical engineering is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group is essential.
• Proficiency with personal computers and applicable software packages (Microsoft Office, CAD, Solidworks).
• Good written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and able to take initiative.

Additional Information

This is a one year term position with the possibility of renewal

Harvard is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

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

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

403112 Research Assistant II Lab

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

053

Department

Wyss Institute

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

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.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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