Research Scientist 1

MIT • Cambridge, MA

4d

About The Position

The Research Scientist 1 position, within the Sociotechnical Systems Research Center (SSRC) - Center for Biomedical Innovation (CBI), will support research aimed at enhancing lentiviral (LV) manufacturing processes for cell therapy applications. This role involves working within an interdisciplinary team of principal investigators, postdoctoral associates, and collaborators located at MIT and in Singapore. The scientist will be responsible for designing and executing experimental studies, developing, optimizing, and validating analytical methods for LV characterization, and assessing intensified LV manufacturing strategies. Key duties include creating research protocols, collaborating with MIT faculty and project investigators on strain evaluation, model development, and interpreting results, and contributing to data-driven improvements in cell therapy manufacturing processes. Additionally, the role requires analyzing and disseminating scientific findings through reports, presentations, and publications, supporting the implementation of research infrastructure, coordinating with technical collaborators, and training students or staff involved in the project.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in chemical engineering, bioengineering, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of two years of relevant postdoctoral, academic, or industry experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in biomanufacturing process development for mammalian cell culture systems and analytical characterization of biological products.
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary research environments.
• Strong collaborative, organizational, analytical, and written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with upstream cell culture development.
• Experience with downstream purification process development.
• Experience with continuous manufacturing approaches.
• Experience with viral vector manufacturing.
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills.
• A record of publication, intellectual property development, and scientific output.
• Experience working collaboratively on multi-investigator projects or cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experimental studies.
• Develop, optimize, and validate analytical methods for LV characterization.
• Evaluate intensified LV manufacturing approaches.
• Prepare research protocols.
• Collaborate with MIT faculty and project investigators on strain evaluation, model development, and interpretation of findings.
• Contribute to data-driven process improvements relevant to cell therapy manufacturing.
• Analyze and communicate scientific results through reports, presentations, and publications.
• Support implementation of research infrastructure.
• Coordinate with technical collaborators.
• Train students or staff engaged in project-related research activities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree