Scientist I- Brain Targeting Program
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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 you
You have a passion for translational research. You want to be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating novel approaches to brain delivery of safer, more effective therapeutics. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your expertise to contribute to innovations that can help improve treatment of brain diseases. You thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
About the role
The Wyss Institute’s Brain Targeting Program (BTP), led by Principal Investigator James Gorman, M.D., Ph.D. and Co-PI Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., is developing brain delivery technologies that enable development of breakthrough brain-targeted therapeutics for diverse brain diseases. Our brain delivery platform enables these therapeutic advances by dramatically improving transport of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the brain. For more information on the BTP please visit this link here.
We are looking for a talented scientist to contribute to the discovery and development of new novel antibody brain shuttle compounds and their optimization for specific payloads in neurodegenerative diseases. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, overseen in part by Principal Scientist who oversees shuttle discovery and optimization, you will work closely with our team using both omics-based target identification approaches, external discovery CROs, and in vitro and in vivo assays. You will determine brain PK/PD profiles of our shuttle compounds, and assess efficacy, safety and potential therapeutic applications of our shuttles.
What you'll do
- Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, conduct search for new targets for brain delivery using multi-omics and scientific literature analyses, including collaborating with computational biologist to analyze and organize data and prioritize target candidates, and preparing and presenting recommendations for binder discovery campaigns to internal and external stakeholders.
- Under the direction of the Principal Scientist, lead campaigns to discover and validate binders to priority new brain shuttle targets, including:
- Working with outside discovery CROs;
- Conducting in vitro validation of brain shuttle hits and leads, using protein and cell binding assays, and performing ELISAs of various types of samples, routinely analyzing and summarizing data in a timely fashion.
- Conducting in vivo studies including tail-vein injection, tissue (brain, blood and peripheral tissues) harvesting and lysate preparation, and brain and blood pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies in mouse models.
- Supporting binder discovery and optimization campaigns being pursued by others in the program, including participating as appropriate in in vivo studies and analyses.
- Independently develop, validate, and perform various protocols including flow cytometry, cell-based assays, plate-based ELISA assays, and others. Continue to track reproducibility and optimize.
- Analyze and interpret experimental data, learn new skills, troubleshoot, and contribute intellectually to projects
- 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
- Mentor and train less experienced technicians, academic trainees, and others
- Monitor internal Wyss communications and external public information to identify funding opportunities to support the new target discovery work. Actively assist with preparation and submission of funding proposals.
- Present data and results at internal and external meetings
Qualifications
What you'll need
- Bachelor’s degree neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field.
- A minimum of 4 years of experience with multi-omics analysis, in silico target discovery, AI/ML-guided scientific literature target biology analysis, antibody discovery including in vitro protein and cell binding and characterization, cell culture, rodent handling, Advanced education may count towards years of experience.
Desirable skills
- PhD strongly preferred in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field.
- Industry or post-doctoral experience preferred.
- Experience with protein science and analytics, including experience with BLI, SPR, SEC and others.
- Experience with transcriptomic and proteomic analysis, and with isolation and purification of mouse and human brain cells including brain microvascular endothelial cells.
- 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 Screenings
Other Information
Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation.
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 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 056. 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.