Scientist I- Brain Targeting Program

Scientist I- Brain Targeting Program

Scientist I- Brain Targeting Program

Company:

Harvard University

Job Location:

Cambridge, 02138

Category:

Laboratory and Research

Type:

Full-Time

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 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 Principle 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:

We are looking for a talented scientist to contribute to the development and characterization of our novel 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 using both in vitro cellular systems and in vivo humanized mouse models. You will determine the biophysical properties and brain PK/PD profiles of our shuttle compounds, and assess therapeutic applications of our shuttles.

What you'll do:

Support in 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

Participate in vivo studies, including tail-vein injection, tissue (brain, blood and peripheral tissues) harvesting and lysate preparation.

Perform ELISAs using various types of samples; analysze and summarize data in a timely fashion.

Under the direction of the Principal Scientist, conduct biophysical characterization of antibodies, including affinity determination with SPR (Biocore) and stability assessment

Manage one or more projects to optimize shuttles for specific therapeutic payloads to treat specific neurodegenerative diseases.

Independently develop, validate, and perform various protocols including confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, plate-based ELISA assays, and others

Analyze and interpret experimental data, learn new skills, troubleshoot, and contribute intellectually to projects

Present data and results at internal and external meetings

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

Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams.

Qualifications

What you'll Need:

Bachelor's degree neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field.

A minimum of 4 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

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, Occupational Health Screening

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.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay up to date on career information and the latest news from the Wyss Institute.

Work Format Details

This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.

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