Scientist I - Healthy Aging

Basic Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry or related discipline is required.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in machine learning, protein design, and/or synthetic biology is required, advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desirable Skills:

• PhD in Biology and Biomedical Sciences or related strongly preferred
• Experience with the design, testing, and optimization of nucleic acid therapeutics is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in with LNP-mRNA in vivo studies is strongly preferred
• Expertise in cell state conversion for therapeutic applications is strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of fundamental concepts in cell state transitions and mRNA therapeutics is preferred
• Experience with Python or R is preferred Experience in authoring and critically reviewing technical documents, study protocols and reports related to mRNA therapy development, qualification, validation, and pre-clinical sample testing a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, documentation skills and attention to detail, with the proven ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Full time post graduate industry experience with a focus on product development is preferred.

Position Description

What you'll do:

• Design and execute experimental techniques related to identification and activation of genes related cellular aging.
• Formulate, test, and analyze data from mRNA-based compounds in coordination with CRO to evaluate metrics including dosage, timing, and toxicity.
• Present key results at group meetings, to project teams, and to stakeholders.
• Contribute to internal reports, scientific publications, and intellectual property filings
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion and cultural awareness through interactions and communications with others.
• Actively supports and collaborates with other areas of the Synthetic Biology platform and the Advanced Technology Team as it relates to new technology development, community building, administrative efficiencies, and operational protocols.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Wyss Institute's community values of courage, collaboration, innovation, impact, diversity, and respect through actions, interactions, and communications with others

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Working Conditions

As a collaborative organization, we at the Wyss Institute know that great innovation happens when diverse perspectives come together to solve problems. As a result, we are committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness both in and out of the lab. When recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you will bring in terms of education, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran's status, religion, disability, and sexual orientation. We believe these differences in background, experience, and perspective enrich our work environment and are essential to our mission of solving complex problems through technology development and translation.

Job Summary

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 will have significant expertise in identification of gene regulatory networks and genetic screens related to biological processes that change during aging that can be leveraged for cellular rejuvenation. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the Role:

We are looking for an innovative Scientist to join the Ichor Institute Project Team as the primary member of the research and development team responsible for generating the scientific and technical results to support a commercialization end-point. Reporting to the Director, Synthetic Biology and collaborating closely with other Ichor project team members, faculty, and Wyss Business Development, you will help drive the scientific program forward, in accordance with the agreed-upon project goals and timelines. As a translational institute and member of our Advanced Technology Team, you will be collaborating with various project teams and exposed to many different technologies in areas ranging from therapeutics and diagnostics to synthetic biology and materials science. You may also have the unique opportunity to transition into a newly formed start-up company.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• 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.

About Us

This is a term position ending on April 30, 2025.

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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