Research Assistant II – Fluid Biomarker Diagnostics

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.

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 motivated, enthusiastic Research Assistant II to join our team. You will help develop new diagnostic technologies for profiling clinically relevant biomarkers in human biofluids using cutting edge, ultra-sensitive approaches. A major focus of this position will be FEMOx, an ARPA-H-funded project to develop a rapid, non-invasive platform to assess fetal oxygenation risk. This position is for someone who is excited about science and enjoys working at the bench. You will work within a team and receive significant experimental training in both new and established techniques for profiling isolating and analyzing biomarkers from human biofluids. You will also make weekly presentations and provide updates of project data to the larger Wyss team, and prepare regular written summaries which will be integrated into project reports.

What you'll do:

• Support the FEMOx project by optimizing and running assays to isolate, enrich, and characterize target biomarkers from biological samples with guidance from senior staff.

• With supervision from senior staff, help design and execute experiments for the development of new diagnostic technologies and biomarker assays using human biofluids.

• Perform molecular and biochemical assays to analyze RNA and protein targets under the supervision of senior staff.

• Assist with the development and testing of microfluidic workflows for ultrasensitive biomarker detection.

• Support the preparation of experimental data, summaries, and presentation materials for regular ARPA-H project meetings.

• With guidance from senior staff, attend and present data or progress updates at meetings within the Wyss Institute, including ARPA-H project meetings.

• Order supplies and perform support and lab maintenance activities.

What you'll need:

• College background in biological science or related field and one or more years of lab experience in molecular biology or biochemistry is required. Higher education may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science or related field is strongly preferred.

• Two or more years of research experience is preferred. Experience with extracellular vesicle isolation, immunocapture, or biofluid sample processing is advantageous but not required.

• Experience with protein biochemistry (e.g., ELISA, Western blot, immunoisolation) or nucleic acid techniques (e.g. FISH, real-time PCR) is advantageous but not required.

• Experience with imaging techniques (e.g. fluorescence microscopy) and microfluidics is advantageous but not required.

• 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

Other Information:

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community via this link here: https://us.smrtr.io/4tgM_

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 053. 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.