Tissue Engineer

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA with over 2,000 employees. The organization tackles national challenges ranging from military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, delivering successful and usable solutions through multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists.

The Bioengineering Division is seeking a Tissue Engineer to support the research and development of cutting‑edge technologies. The role will involve working at the interface between engineering and biology on micro‑physiological systems (organ‑on‑chip) and other novel systems that blend complex biology with custom hardware and software.

• Support the design and development of innovative bioengineering solutions under program leadership.
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to conduct research and communicate findings.
• Apply foundational knowledge to contribute to multiple projects with guidance.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements.
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong foundation in biology and/or engineering principles.
• Team player, dedicated, collaborative, observant, and motivated.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative problem‑solving skills and passion for innovation.
• Excellent time management with the proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Enthusiasm for learning and participation in mentorship.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or related fields. Master’s degree preferred.

Requires 0–2 years of Bioengineering or related engineering experience.

• Develop, optimize, and characterize mammalian organ‑specific micro‑physiological and organ‑on‑chip models for toxicity, metabolism, and disease‑state studies.
• Apply cell biology, developmental biology, and tissue engineering fundamentals to establish novel cell and tissue models and assays within Draper’s in vitro tissue culture systems.
• Plan and conduct in‑vitro technical experiments using Breacht‑2 laboratory and advanced system technologies.
• Culture, maintain, and manipulate human primary cells and tissues in standard in‑vitro culture systems and advanced MPS platform technologies.
• Perform broad suite of molecular, biochemical, and cellular assays such as immunostaining, ELISA, Luminex, flow cytometry, DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR, multi‑omics and biostatistical data analysis.
• Acquire brightfield, fluorescent, and high‑content confocal microscopy data; process and analyze image sets within automated pipelines to extract quantitative insights.
• Help support creation, version‑control, and maintenance of SOPs and analytical methods compatible with Draper’s platform technologies.
• Collect, interpret, summarize, and present data to project team leads via presentations and for publication.
• Work collaboratively with team(s) to execute project plans and support colleagues at the bench, fostering a collaborative, safety‑first lab culture.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges in partnership with colleagues and project leadership.
• Complete all required training, adhere to institutional, governmental, and safety regulations, and champion compliance.
• Support day‑to‑day lab organization (reagent sourcing, material preparation, equipment upkeep) to keep the MPS workflow running smoothly.
• Work in a fast‑paced, milestone‑driven interdisciplinary environment where multi‑tasking is essential.

• Proven cell and tissue culture expertise with sterile technique and primary mammalian cell culture, including complex co‑culture methods and media preparation.
• Technical breadth in cell and molecular biology assays and analytical methods (e.g., immunostaining, confocal imaging, DNA/RNA extraction,…