Research Assistant III - Brain Targeting Program

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 Brain Targeting Program (BTP) team and support antibody brain shuttle compound screening and validation in vivo and in vitro. The mission of the Wyss BTP is to develop a robust modular brain delivery platform that is able to deliver large-molecule therapeutics for diverse brain diseases. We aim to help expand the pipeline of CNS drugs by making our platform broadly available to companies, academics and non-profit organizations.

Reporting to a Scientist on the team, you will support in vivo functional screening studies of brain shuttle antibodies via close collaboration with the veterinary team; assist in developing, troubleshooting, and standardizing in-house developed in vitro assays to assess antibody shuttle function and develop ability; perform tissue processing and downstream analytical assays, such as ELISAs; analyze and summarize datasets; prepare figures and presentations;

contribute to overall lab organization and compliance.

The ideal candidate has strong rodent handling experience, including intravenous injection (IV), cardiac perfusion, and brain and peripheral tissue harvesting, is detail orientated and excited for translational research, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast paced research environment.

What you'll do:

• Support in vivo functional screening:
• Accurately prepare drugs for in vivo studies.
• Proficiently perform drug dosing (IV, IP, SC), cardiac perfusion and tissue dissection; perform downstream tissue processing, including lysate preparation, and tissue sectioning; perform ELISAs using tissue lysates and plasma samples.
• Manage mouse line inventory in animal facility.
• Support in vitro tissue culture and maintain cell lines; accurately perform cell-based assays.
• Efficiently organize and keep track of lab materials and reagents; perform support activities, including ordering supplies and shipping/receiving materials.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols; write/update standard operating procedures, and actively perform troubleshooting when needed.
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing 15-30 pounds, and push and pull heavy equipment. Must be able to walk or stand for a full 7-hour shift and be able to perform repetitive motions over extended periods of time. Must be able to perform in an environment with exposure to animals, animal dander, animal byproducts, and bedding materials for prolonged periods of time.
• The ability to work after regular hours and on weekends on occasion is required for this role.

Qualifications:

What you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, genetics, or related field is required.
• 2 or more years of experience with rodent handling, drug administration (IV, IP, SC), tissue harvesting and processing, or related experience is required. Advanced education may count towards years of experience.

Desirable

Qualifications and Skills:

• Practical experience with tissue culture, western blotting, flow cytometry, and plate-based assays (e.g., ELISA) is required.
• Industry experience is preferred.
• Experience with mouse genetics, immunohistochemistry and fluorescence microscopy is preferred.
• Proficiency with standard software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office, Graph Pad Prism, Flow Jo) and quantitative data analysis (e.g. image analysis) is advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to follow and troubleshoot experimental protocols with critical thinking, maintain careful records, and meet project milestones.
• Exceptional organizational skills, meticulous record-keeping, and strong attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced, milestone-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Information:

• Appointment End Date:
  This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.
• Standard Hours/
  
  Schedule:
  
  35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information:
  Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening:
  Identity, Education, Criminal
• Other Information:
  Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation