Senior Scientist 2: Hepatocyte and Liver Tissue Engineering

Job Description

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 freedom to explore, to push the boundaries of what is possible, and to use your ambition to tackle challenging projects in a fast-paced, industry-focused environment. You enjoy working with diverse groups of people and leveraging your expertise to create innovations that can change the world.

About this role:

As Senior Scientist II, you will provide scientific and technical leadership for the hepatocyte engineering activities of a multi-institutional, federally funded program to develop engineered liver tissue for the treatment of liver failure. The Chen Lab develops vascularized tissues and engineered organs by integrating stem cell engineering, biofabrication, vascular biology and in vivo models. In this role, you will establish and advance methods to expand, engineer and characterize functional human hepatocytes, including approaches that modulate their recognition by the immune system, and integrate these cells into the program’s engineered tissue and in vivo studies.

This is a laboratory-based position: you will design and personally conduct the core experiments of the hepatocyte workstream. Reporting to the Senior Director of Translational R&D and working closely with Core Faculty member Professor Christopher Chen, you will join cross-functional research teams spanning the Wyss Institute, Boston University and partner institutions.

What you'll do: 

• Hepatocyte Expansion and Engineering:
  • Independently Lead scientific execution, experiment planning and analysis for the program’s hepatocyte workstream, and conduct its core experiments; Solves novel technical challenges.
  • Establish, optimize and scale methods for the expansion, maturation and long-term maintenance of functional human hepatocytes.
  • Develop and apply genetic engineering strategies, including CRISPR/Cas9-based editing and transgene delivery, to modulate the immunogenicity of hepatocytes and other cell types used in engineered liver tissue.
  • Guide assay development and the characterization of hepatocyte identity, function and immune phenotype, including albumin and urea secretion, cytochrome P450 activity, and in vitro immune response assays.
  • Conduct data analysis on all experiments performed and communicate data and results to the larger team.
• Tissue Integration:
  • Collaborate with the biofabrication, vascularization and in vivo teams to integrate engineered hepatocytes into tissue constructs, and evaluate their engraftment and function in animal models.
  • Collaborate with internal and external partners on experimental execution, analytical characterization and cross-functional scientific strategy.
• Program Collaboration, Leadership and Translation:
  • Leads milestone planning, sponsor reporting and program reviews for projects within the hepatocyte workstream.
  • May be lead author in publications.
  • Drives translation of key findings to actionable translation approaches and IP strategy in concert with Office of Technology Development
  • Identifies and develops new cross functional partnerships internally and externally • Communicate progress, technical risks and recommendations to Professor Chen, program leadership and partner investigators.
  • May supervise a team of technicians. Provides mentorship and training to research assistants, students and other scientists in hepatocyte culture, engineering and characterization methods.
  • May be granted PI rights on multiple grants. Contribute to grant writing, including proposals that extend the capabilities developed in the program
  • Plans and maintains budget for applicable projects within the hepatocyte workstream.
• Laboratory Operations and Documentation:
  • Produce high-quality scientific documents, including study protocols, standard operating procedures, analyses, reports and manuscripts.
  • Maintain rigorous records of methods, cell lots and results, consistent with the expectations of translational and regulated development.
  • Support safe and efficient lab operations, recommend equipment purchases, and manage supply procurement as needed.

Qualifications

What you'll need:

• Master’s degree in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Science, or a related field, and a minimum of 9 years of relevant research experience in an academic, research institute or industry setting. Education may count toward experience.

Desirable skills: 

• PhD strongly preferred in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Full-time post-graduate industry experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
• Extensive hands-on experience in human cell culture, expansion and functional characterization.
• Experience with primary human hepatocytes and with human pluripotent stem cell–derived cells is a plus.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology and genome engineering, including CRISPR/Cas9 and viral or non-viral gene delivery.
• Experience engineering cells to evade or modulate immune recognition, or with immunological assays relevant to cell therapy, is beneficial.
• Experience in assay development, analytical characterization, and quality or release testing of cell-based products.
• Experience with scale-up of cell culture, including bioreactor systems, technology transfer and cGMP manufacturing, is beneficial.
• Proven track record of advancing cell or tissue technologies toward translational or clinical milestones; experience supporting IND-enabling studies is a plus.
• Experience with 3D culture, organoids or engineered tissue constructs, and with in vivo models of cell transplantation, is beneficial.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, including publications, regulatory documentation or technical reports
• Experience contributing to intellectual property and commercialization efforts is beneficial.
• Ability to work independently and as part of interdisciplinary teams, with strong attention to detail and rigorous documentation practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and presenting to scientific, program and sponsor audiences.

Additional Information

• 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, Occupational Health Screening
• Other Information:

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 position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 059. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 059