Job Description

The Wyss Institute is seeking a Scientist I to create and analyze human Bone Marrow Chips that will fly alongside astronaut crewmembers on upcoming lunar space missions. The project’s objectives are to understand how space travel affects human blood cell development and to use human Organ Chips to investigate space-induced changes in human cells, including mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage. The long-term aim of this work is to accelerate our ability to understand human health in space to enable human exploration of our solar system beyond Earth.

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:

Reporting to the Senior Scientist II, you will develop and validate methods to culture and analyze human Bone Marrow Chips under mission-specific constraints. The work will involve culturing primary human hematopoietic cells (including those isolated from astronaut crew members), single cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and microfluidic devices. This work will be done alongside NASA and Space Tango collaborators.

What you'll do:
Independently design, plan and execute experiments that involve culturing human hematopoietic cells, scRNAseq, flow cytometry, and other assays.
Analyze, interpret, and present data at internal and external meetings; Provide technical and strategic feedback in project meetings
Summarize findings and collaboratively assemble reports.
Mentor lab colleagues, including research assistants, students, and postdocs
Contribute to grant applications, publications and patent applications.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness through actions, interactions and communications with others.


What you'll need:
Bachelor's degree in biology, chemical biology, or medicine-related field is required.
A minimum of 4 years of experience with cell or molecular biology is required. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.


Desirable Skills:
Advanced degree (Ph.D.) strongly preferred
Prior experience with single cell RNA sequencing (bench work and/or analysis)
Mammalian cell culture experience
Flow cytometry experience is desirable but not necessary
Demonstrated scientific productivity (peer-reviewed publications, presentations, and/or grants)
Willingness to take initiative to help the team do exciting science and reach common goals

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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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.