Research Assistant III - Organ-on-Chip

About the role

We are looking for a Research Assistant III to join the Lung Organ on Chip team in Dr. Don Ingber's laboratory. We use advanced Lung Organ Chip models to recapitulate key aspects of human lung physiology and pathophysiology and to study lung cancer progression, tumor-immune interactions, respiratory infections, inflammatory lung diseases, environmental exposures, and responses to candidate therapeutics. Our goal is to improve prediction of human drug safety and efficacy, uncover disease mechanisms, and accelerate development of new therapies, including through collaborations with industry partners and potential startup efforts. Reporting to the Senior Scientist leading the team, you will execute and help optimize experiments using lung cancer and lung infection Organ Chips; culture and maintain primary and established human lung cell types and co culture systems; and assist in developing, troubleshooting, and standardizing human lung microphysiological models for translational studies. You will perform imaging, molecular, and functional assays; analyze and summarize datasets; prepare figures and presentations; and maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks, SOPs, and inventories while contributing to overall lab organization and compliance. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of biologists and engineers, help train and mentor junior staff, co ops, and interns, and learn cutting edge organ on chip, lung cell culture, and analytical techniques. The ideal candidate is comfortable performing a variety of tasks within the same week, has diverse research experience, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Isolate and culture human lung cells with guidance from the lung organ on chip team. Collaborate with team members to set up different types of cocultures.
• Perform microfluidic organ-on-chip experiments, including primary alveolar and endothelial cell culture and chip maintenance, in support of lung-on-chip experiments
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: Luminex assays, permeability assays and viability analysis, imaging, qPCR, etc., in collaboration with experienced staff members.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols; write/update standard operating procedures.
• Follow Harvard's best practices for data storage and sharing experimental records with the team. Order supplies/consumables and maintain shared stocks.
• Maintain tissue culture facilities, including daily maintenance of tissue culture equipment such as hoods, incubators, and water baths.
• Collaborate with other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions to provide project support as needed. As an example, you may be asked to provide cells for exciting projects happening around the institute.
• Contribute to the writing of journal articles, reviews, and patents
• Train other members of the team in specific techniques and/or best practices
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology, Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 or more years of full-time research experience involving mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays in an academic, hospital, or industry laboratory setting. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.
• Desirable skills:
• Master's degree is strongly preferred
• Practical experience with core molecular biology techniques (e.g., nucleic acid/protein assays, qPCR, ELISA, immunostaining, or similar) is required.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and troubleshoot experimental protocols, maintain careful records, and meet project milestones is required.
• Strong interest in and commitment to working within multidisciplinary teams is required.
• Prior experience in lung biology, cancer biology, immunology, infectious disease, or related areas is strongly preferred.
• Experience with microphysiological systems (e.g., Organ Chips), organoids, microfluidics, or 3D cell culture is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and image analysis and/or other quantitative data analysis tools.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environm

Benefits

Additional Information

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 are excited by the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with strong support from scientific, operational, and administrative experts. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to drive innovations that can change the world.

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