Research Assistant III - Cell Culture and Blood Clotting-On-Chip

Harvard University • Boston, MA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

We are currently seeking a Research Assistant III to significantly contribute to a research program funded by the Wellcome Leap, “The missed vital sign”, involving the use of human Organ Chips to advance knowledge and development of therapeutics for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). We will be developing a human Organ Chip model of HMB and use it to identify causal factors, as well as discover new non-hormonal HMB therapeutics using multi-omics analysis in combination with an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled computational approach. As part of the Bioinspired Therapeutics & Diagnostics platform and reporting to the Senior Scientist, you will carry out various cell-based assays and manage primary cell cultures, including, but not limited to, primary epithelial and endothelial cell cultures and on chip cultures. Furthermore, you will execute studies on blood perfusion in these human organ chip models of HMB and analyze differences between them and healthy models. You will be expected to learn new skills, and troubleshoot any technical issues that arise, and contribute intellectually to the project.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Cell Biology, biomedical engineering or related field is required.
• Two or more years of industry or academic laboratory experience in vascular biology, hemostasis, or thrombosis involving primary cell culture is required.
• Advanced education may count towards years of experience.
• Proficiency with personal computers and applicable software packages (Microsoft Office).
• Good written and oral communication skills are essential.
• Ability to function in a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute is a must.
• Highly motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and able to take initiative and deliver results in milestone-driven projects.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to learn and contribute to developing new methods and tools related to blood coagulation analysis on the chip.
• Prior experience with Vascular Biology or Thrombosis strongly preferred.
• Candidates with prior wet lab experience, such as with cell-based assays, and imaging or image-processing experience are preferred.
• Experience with whole blood or blood cells in microfluidic systems to study coagulation and vascular injury is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform microfluidic organ-on-chip experiments, including primary endothelial cell culture and chip maintenance, in support of thrombosis-on-chip experiments.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols.
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: coagulation analyses, blood vessel permeability assays and analysis, imaging and analysis of blood vessel morphology, in collaboration with experienced staff members.
• With limited supervision, contribute to data analysis and regularly present data and conclusions at meetings within the Wyss Institute.
• Provide training and guidance to other lab members on experimental techniques.
• Order supplies and perform support activities and perform lab maintenance.
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level