Senior Research Scientist I

The Broad Institute•Cambridge, MA

About The Position

The Laboratory for Translational Engineering (L4TE) at the Broad Institute is seeking an accomplished and highly motivated Senior Research Scientist with deep expertise in metrology and advanced materials characterization. This role will support and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams developing next-generation biomedical materials, ingestible and implantable devices, and translational drug delivery platforms. The successful candidate will oversee and expand the laboratory’s analytical and measurement capabilities—spanning from nanoscale surface characterization to bulk material analysis—while mentoring trainees and contributing to publications, presentations, and collaborative research programs across the Broad, MIT, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience in metrology-intensive research.
5+ years of hands-on experience operating and interpreting data from advanced analytical instruments, including: Microscopy: SEM, TEM, cryo-SEM, AFM, confocal, and fluorescence imaging.
Spectroscopy: Raman, FTIR, EDS, XPS, UV-Vis, ellipsometry.
Mechanical & Surface Analysis: Rheometry, DMA, DSC, TGA, nanoindentation, profilometry, BET, contact angle.
Electrical & Structural Characterization: 4-point probe, EBSD, PXRD, electron diffraction.
Demonstrated ability to link surface chemistry and structure to functional device performance.
Strong computational and data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB, ImageJ, Avantage, or similar).
Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and collaborative scientific contributions.
Experience training and mentoring students or technical staff.
Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills suited to a multidisciplinary research environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in cleanroom-based microfabrication and thin-film processing (e.g., photolithography, ALD, sputtering, etching).
Familiarity with biomaterials, polymers, and medical device characterization.
Ability to coordinate complex analytical campaigns across multiple labs and institutions.
Strong commitment to maintaining analytical rigor, safety, and instrument reliability in a shared research setting.

Responsibilities

Lead Analytical and Metrological Capabilities: Establish and manage a comprehensive suite of materials characterization tools, including AFM, SEM/TEM, cryo-SEM, FIB-SEM, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, profilometry, ellipsometry, rheometry, µCT, and related instrumentation, to support diverse L4TE research efforts.
Experimental Design and Data Interpretation: Design and execute experiments to evaluate the physical, mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties of advanced materials and devices. Apply quantitative modeling and visualization using Python, MATLAB, and related analytical software.
Facility and Instrument Oversight: Coordinate access to shared resources within the Broad Institute and partner facilities (e.g., MIT.nano, Harvard CNS). Develop and maintain SOPs, manage instrument calibration and upkeep, and ensure data quality and reproducibility.
Mentorship and Training: Train and mentor graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and research staff in advanced metrology techniques, data analysis, and experimental best practices. Provide guidance in preparing figures, methods, and data presentations for manuscripts and conferences.
Scientific Writing and Dissemination: Contribute to manuscripts, patents, proposals, and institutional reports. Serve as a co-author on high- impact publications and collaborate on translational research projects that bridge materials science, engineering, and medicine.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, chemists, biologists, and clinicians to provide measurement science and analytical insight supporting the development of biomedical devices and therapeutic delivery systems.