Research Assistant II - Microbiology and in vivo models

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Wyss Institute at Harvard University?

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 innovate and apply your knowledge to tackle projects in a fast, past‑paced, entrepreneurial environment. You enjoy working with highly motivated, diverse teams and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About the role:

We are looking for a motivated Research Assistant II to contribute to a multidisciplinary portfolio of research projects involving procedures of health monitoring, injections, blood sampling, survival surgery, post‑operative care, and behavioral studies relating to projects on the Immuno Materials Platform.

Reporting to Staff Scientists on the Immuno Materials Platform at the Wyss Institute, you will be responsible for overseeing study animals, daily rounds, and observations to check animal health status; adherence to protocols and techniques at the animal facility; performing and documenting experimental observations in rodent species; and sample processing at the conclusion of the studies. You will also be responsible for maintaining pathogen cultures for in vitro and in vivo experiments.

You will run screening assays that are in vitro based, including but not limited to: microbiology, ELISA, enzymatic assays, imaging, and flow cytometry.

• Execute animal models under supervision of senior staff; provide technical support for the development and implementation of animal models and experimental procedures
• Under supervision of senior staff, process samples at the conclusion of studies (microbiology, ELISA, biomarker identification, tissue processing) and perform data analysis
• Follow standard operating procedures and maintain accurate records and documentation to comply with regulatory requirements
• Assist in managing the laboratory space by maintaining necessary supplies and equipment and interfacing with veterinary staff and research scientists
• Demonstrate a commitment to teamwork, scientific rigor, and collaboration within and across teams.

What you’ll need:

• College background in Biological Life Science or related area, or equivalent work experience in animal care is required.
• One or more years of hands‑on experience with mouse models, surgical techniques or related experience is required. Advanced education may count toward years of experience.

Desirable

Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience with behavioral studies is strongly preferred.
• Experience handling rodents and familiarity with IACUC protocol operations is required.
• Must be flexible to working outside normal business hours routinely when needed.
• Some flexible evening or weekend hours required.
• Excellent organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to work independently or with minimum supervision on multiple projects across various therapeutic areas are required.
• Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group is essential.
• Highly motivated, detail‑oriented, organized, and able to take initiative. Good communication skills are important.
• Must be familiar with or…