Scientist I- Brain Targeting Program

22-Oct-2024

Scientist I- Brain Targeting Program

Wyss Institute at Harvard University

67208BR

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 have a passion for translational research. You want to be a part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating novel approaches to brain delivery of therapeutic and diagnostics. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your expertise to contribute to innovations that can help improve treatment of brain diseases. You thrive in a fast-paced work environment 

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 development of our brain shuttle-mediated oligonucleotide platform, and to optimize our shuttles for oligonucleotide payloads in neurodegenerative diseases. 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, along with other therapeutic applications of our shuttles.

Position Description

What you'll Do:

• Optimize shuttles for therapeutic oligo payloads in specific disease conditions; select mouse disease models and validate novel shuttle-ASO fusion drugs in models of ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and others
• Contribute to the brain shuttle-mediated oligonucelotide delivery platform development.
• Choose and adapt ASO production approaches from the public domain and prepare material either in-house or with a CRO.
• Work with CROs to perform conjugation of ASOs with antibody shuttles, with traditional or novel conjugation chemistry(ies).
• Design and execute in vitro and in vivo mouse studies to optimize and validate shuttle-oligonucelotide conjugates. Readouts include but are not limited to, brain and blood PK studies, knockdown efficacy in brain and other tissues, and safety.
• 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
• Perform in vitro and in vivo assay development to support the shuttle platform and shuttle-oligo platform.
• Present data and results at meetings internally and externally
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others

Basic Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience with ASO or siRNA 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 required. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Desired Skills:

• PhD in neuroscience, biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields strongly preferred.
• Full time post-graduate experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
• Ability to work independently as well as to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group.

Additional Information

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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Work Format Details

This is an in-person position based on our campus in Boston.

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.

Job Function

Research

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Boston

Job Code

RS0156 Researcher II Natural Science

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

056

Department

Wyss Institute

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

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.

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.

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