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:
The Wyss Institute’s Brain Targeting Program (BTP), co-led by James Gorman, M.D., Ph.D. and Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., is developing brain delivery technologies that enable development of safer and more effective brain-targeted therapeutics for diverse brain diseases. Our brain delivery platform enables these therapeutic advances by dramatically improving transport of drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) into the brain. We are looking for a talented Scientist to support the discovery and validation of our antibody brain shuttles and to lead the development of our brain shuttle-mediated oligonucleotide platform. Reporting to the Principal Scientist, you will work closely with our team using both in vitro cellular systems and in vivo humanized mouse models to optimize oligonucleotide delivery.

• Support in vitro and in vivo validation of brain shuttles, using protein and cell binding assays, and in vivo brain and blood pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) studies in mouse models.
• Lead brain shuttle-mediated ASO delivery platform development.
• Choose and adapt ASO production approaches from the public domain and prepare material either in-house or with a CRO.
• Perform conjugation of ASOs with antibody shuttles, with traditional or novel conjugation chemisty(ies).
• Design mouse studies for shuttle-ASO validation; prepare and analyze mouse tissues and blood for PK/PD analysis.
• Select appropriate mouse disease models and validate novel shuttle-ASO fusion drugs in models of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and others.
• Develop, validate, and perform various protocols including confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell-based assays, plate-based ELISA assays, and others.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data, learn new skills, troubleshoot, and contribute intellectually to projects.
• Present data and results at meetings internally and externally.
• Perform support activities and lab maintenance as assigned, and function in a team-oriented environment with other scientists and staff at the Institute as well as external collaborators.
• Supervise and train junior scientists, academic trainees, and others
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with ASO chemistry and conjugation, cell culture, rodent handling, and molecular and cellular biology techniques such as ELISA, western blotting, confocal imaging, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), or related experience. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable skills:

• PhD in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields strongly preferred.
• Industry experience preferred.
• Experience with ASO conjugation, including development and optimization of conjugation protocols.
• Ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group.
• Commitment for diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation

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.