About us:

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating the way nature builds. We harness the imagination of academia and the focus of industry to translate ground-breaking technologies into commercial products that solve big problems. We support research that universities, companies, and venture capital firms don’t fund because they view it as too risky. We prefer to use the word “challenging,” and we love challenges. For more information discover our technologies, catch up on our recent news, or watch our latest videos.

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 want the opportunity to explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial-minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations, and administrative professionals. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Principal Scientist, you will drive the discovery and development of synthetic biology within our growing sustainability initiative. You will work at the intersection of molecular biology, genetics and process engineering to design, construct and optimize synthetic biology systems for applications such as waste remediation, sustainable agriculture and biomanufacturing. As a member of the Advanced Technology team, you will be exposed to many different technologies in areas ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to synthetic biology and material science, with the goal of identifying new product solutions and the unique potential opportunity to follow your passion either at the Institute or as a future co-founder of a Wyss start-up.

What You'll Do:

• Identifies internal and external resources and funding opportunities that can support technology innovation and development for the Wyss Sustainability Initiative with the goal of building an opensource “Bionet” tool aimed at bringing a systems engineering approach to synthetic biology design. Actively engages with industry partners and the business development team to manage complex partnership efforts with technical depth and effective leadership.
• Manages external and internal teams composed of scientists, engineers and technicians in designing and implementing synthetic biology and bioprocess engineering projects.
• Independently develops and conducts experiments and studies in accordance with team and project goals . Ensures compliance with safety, documentation and regulatory practices. Provide scientific expertise, guidance, and mentorship to early career researchers on research methodology and experimental design.
• Demonstrates ownership in developing the Wyss’ sustainability initiative and effectively advocates for product / program design and strategy
• Provide project management to the team making decisions and implementing strategy, timelines, and budget to execute project goals.
• Supports and sometimes leads the authoring of grant applications as well as the generation of high value publications and workshop development
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness through actions, interactions and communications with others.

• Master’s degree in Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field is required.
• A minimum of 6 years in synthetic biology with a track record of successful project leadership and scientific contributions. A PhD may count to years of experience.

• PhD is strongly preferred
• Full-time post graduate industry experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
• Expertise in genetic engineering, DNA assembly methods, and genome editing techniques.
• Experience with microbial fermentation, metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimization is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple project simultaneously.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks governing synthetic biology applications (e.g., biosecurity, biosafety and intellectual property) is advantageous.
• Familiarity with the manufacturing and regulatory environment for climate and sustainability technologies
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.

Why you’ll like working with us:

At the Wyss Institute, you’re a member of a supportive, dynamic community that is united by its shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage your professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning, and more. We also support your physical, financial, and mental well-being through generous time off benefits, gym reimbursements, and other programs offered through Harvard. Our facility is located in a new, state-of-the-art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood, where you have access to multiple amenities including a roof top terrace with stunning views of Boston and proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions. We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, and believe that our differences enrich the work environment for all.

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• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.