Research Assistant III - Immune Organ--Chip

Research Assistant III

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.

We are looking for a Research Assistant III to join the Lymph Node Organ on Chip team in Dr. Don Ingber's laboratory. We use advanced Lymph Node Organ Chip models to recapitulate key aspects of human immunobiology to study human immune responses against vaccines, pathogens and/or foreign antigens, tumor–immune interactions, inflammation, environmental exposures, and responses to candidate therapeutics. Our goal is to improve prediction of human drug safety and efficacy, uncover disease mechanisms, and accelerate development of new therapies, including through collaborations with industry partners and potential startup efforts.

Reporting to the Director leading the team, you will execute and help optimize experiments using Lymph Node Organ Chips; culture and maintain human immune cells, primary human cells and human cancer cell lines and co culture systems; and assist in developing, troubleshooting, and standardizing human lymph node microphysiological models for translational studies. You will perform imaging, molecular, and functional assays; analyze and summarize datasets;

prepare figures and presentations; and maintain detailed electronic lab notebooks, SOPs, and inventories while contributing to overall lab organization and compliance. You will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team of biologists and engineers, help train and mentor junior staff, co ops, and interns, and learn cutting edge organ on chip, lung cell culture, and analytical techniques. The ideal candidate is comfortable performing a variety of tasks within the same week, has diverse research experience, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast paced research environment.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field is required. Two or more years of full-time research experience involving mammalian cell culture and cell-based assays in an academic, hospital, or industry laboratory setting. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills

Master's degree is strongly preferred. Practical experience with core immunology techniques (e.g., immune cell isolation and culture, flow cytometry, ELISA, immunostaining, or similar) is required. Demonstrated ability to follow and troubleshoot experimental protocols, maintain careful records, and meet project milestones is required. Strong interest in and commitment to working within multidisciplinary teams is required. Prior experience in immunology, cancer biology, infectious disease, or related areas is strongly preferred.

Experience with microphysiological systems (e.g., Organ Chips), organoids, microfluidics, or 3D cell culture is highly desirable. Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and image analysis and/or other quantitative data analysis tools. Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and prioritize in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment. Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and strong attention to detail. Proficiency with standard software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office, Graph Pad Prism, Flow Jo or similar).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.