Cell Biologist, Tissue Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory • Cambridge, MA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Bioengineering Division is seeking a Cell Biologist, Tissue Engineer to support the research and development of cutting-edge technologies. At Draper Bioengineering, we work at the interface between engineering and biology and other novel systems which blend complex biology with custom hardware and software. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, observant, collaborative, and dedicated, and will serve as a subject matter expert, applying their foundational immunology knowledge and experience to exciting, interdisciplinary efforts. Draper offers a distinctive environment that blends the best aspects of academia, government, and industry. Our supportive team atmosphere fosters innovation, intellectual creativity, and an emphasis on career development. The available position offers the potential for career growth and opportunities to take on more responsibility over time.

Apply cell biology, developmental biology, and tissue engineering fundamentals to establish novel cell and tissue models and assays within Draper’s in vitro tissue culture systems under different contexts of use Plan and conduct technical experiments with Draper’s advanced in vitro tissue culture technologies (microphysiological system, MPS; organs-on-chip, OoC) in Draper's biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory Culture, maintain, and manipulate human primary cells and tissues in standard in vitro culture systems and within Draper’s advanced MPS platform technologies Perform a variety of standard molecular, biochemical, cellular, and analytical assays (e.g. immunostaining, ELISA, Luminex, qPCR) Conduct brightfield, fluorescent and high-content confocal microscopy, collect and analyze image datasets, and extract meaningful biological insights from images using image analysis Help create, document, maintain and execute experimental protocols (SOPs) and analytical methods to be compatible with Draper’s platform technologies Collect, interpret, summarize, and effectively present data to project team leads via presentations and for publication Work collaboratively with team(s) to execute project plans, and support colleagues at the bench through teamwork Troubleshoot experimental work in coordination with colleagues and project leadership Complete all necessary training, adhere to all laboratory, institutional, and government regulations, and contribute to an environment of safety and compliance Support lab organization and maintenance as needed, such as sourcing and preparation of reagents and materials

Requirements

• Strong foundation in biology and/or engineering principles.
• Team player, dedicated, collaborative, observant, and motivated.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Enthusiasm for learning and participating in mentorship/mentoring.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.
• Requires either a Bachelor's Degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or related fields.
• Requires 0-2 years of Bioengineering or related engineering experience.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred.
• BS in biology or engineering discipline with 1-2 years of research experience in a laboratory/R&D setting in an interdisciplinary environment
• Trained in sterile technique and primary mammalian cell culture, including hands-on experience with primary cells, complex cell culture methods, phenotypic and functional assay implementation and development, and media preparation
• Experience with cell and molecular biology assays and analytical methods (e.g. immunostaining, DNA / RNA extraction, qPCR, ELISA / Luminex, Flow Cytometry / FACs, microscopy, image processing, and/or biostatistical data analyses)
• Experience with mammalian cell co-culture models and in vitro cell and tissue culture systems, including microfluidic devices, microphysiological systems (MPS), and/or organ-on-chip (OoC) technologies
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment and to communicate with engineers, biologists, management, and key stakeholders
• Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of innovative bioengineering solutions under the guidance of program leadership.
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to conduct research and communicate findings.
• Apply foundational knowledge to contribute to multiple Bioengineering projects with guidance.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements.
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Apply cell biology, developmental biology, and tissue engineering fundamentals to establish novel cell and tissue models and assays within Draper’s in vitro tissue culture systems under different contexts of use
• Plan and conduct technical experiments with Draper’s advanced in vitro tissue culture technologies (microphysiological system, MPS; organs-on-chip, OoC) in Draper's biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory
• Culture, maintain, and manipulate human primary cells and tissues in standard in vitro culture systems and within Draper’s advanced MPS platform technologies
• Perform a variety of standard molecular, biochemical, cellular, and analytical assays (e.g. immunostaining, ELISA, Luminex, qPCR)
• Conduct brightfield, fluorescent and high-content confocal microscopy, collect and analyze image datasets, and extract meaningful biological insights from images using image analysis
• Help create, document, maintain and execute experimental protocols (SOPs) and analytical methods to be compatible with Draper’s platform technologies
• Collect, interpret, summarize, and effectively present data to project team leads via presentations and for publication
• Work collaboratively with team(s) to execute project plans, and support colleagues at the bench through teamwork
• Troubleshoot experimental work in coordination with colleagues and project leadership
• Complete all necessary training, adhere to all laboratory, institutional, and government regulations, and contribute to an environment of safety and compliance
• Support lab organization and maintenance as needed, such as sourcing and preparation of reagents and materials

Benefits

• Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees