Senior Scientist I in Boston, Massachusetts at Harvard University

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 Institutes 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 dont 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 visionary, strategically minded scientific leader with deep expertise in translational science, therapeutic or diagnostic development, molecular or cellular biology. You thrive in interdisciplinary environments and excel at driving programs from concept to preclinical readiness while shaping strategic direction. You enjoy partnering with research and colleagues to integrate wet-lab insights with advanced analytical methods. You are impact-driven and energized by transforming innovative technologies into real-world solutions.

About this Role:

As Senior Scientist, you will provide scientific, operational, and development expertise across multiple Artzi-lab initiatives, guiding technology de-risking and translation for therapeutic innovations. Reporting to the Principal Scientist, you will join cross-functional research teams, mentor scientific staff and collaborate with clinical, industry, and business development partners to accelerate translation while ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment with the Wyss Institute.

What you'll do:

Natalie Artzi Lab

• Contribute to multiple projects that include both academic and staff employees, industry sponsors, industry co-development partners, state and federal funding and academic collaborations.
• Lead scientific execution, experiment planning and analysis, and translational direction across multiple therapeutic and platform technologies.
• Guide assay development, molecular or cellular characterization, in vivo studies, and data interpretation to demonstrate feasibility and accelerate technology maturation.
• Drive translational de-risking by shaping key studies, identifying scientific opportunities, and aligning research efforts with program goals.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on experimental execution, analytical characterization, and cross-functional scientific strategy.
• Partner with intellectual property teams to develop novel and impactful patent filings.
• Apply core Artzi Lab technologies, tools, and scientific approaches, and help integrate them into broader translational strategy.

Program and Team Leadership

• Mentor a team of graduate students, research assistants, and less experienced scientists providing guidance across experimental and translational domains. Responsibilities include: professional development and mentoring, evaluating performance, advocating and motivating.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and ensure that program milestones are met with scientific rigor and strategic clarity.
• Build strong relationships with faculty, clinicians, collaborators, and business development professionals to advance program goals.
• Help forge partnerships with clinicians across Harvard-affiliated hospitals and support integration of patient-derived insights into research and development.

External Engagement and Translation

• Develop and refine translational strategies that incorporate scientific, computational, regulatory, and commercial considerations.
• Engage with industry partners, clinical collaborators, and philanthropic organizations to position technologies for successful translation.
• Participate in building collaborative opportunities that bring new expertise, datasets, or analytical capabilities into Wyss programs.
• Communicate program updates, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior Wyss leadership and stakeholders.
• Engage with partnering hospitals to leverage patient data and clinical needs to inform scientific strategy.
• Contribute to grant writing and help build relationships with external partners, including companies and foundations.

Individual Scientific Contribution

• Conduct experiments and studies that support ongoing research in the Artzi Lab. These could include formulation/nanoparticle preparation and related characterization as well in vitro and cell-based experiments, and in vivo and ex vivo studies including biomarker assays.
• Conduct data analysis on all experiments performed and communicate data/results to the larger team
• Produce high-quality scientific documents, including study protocols, analyses, and reports.
• Support safe and efficient lab operations, recommend equipment purchases, and manage supply procurement as needed

What you'll need:

• Masters degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Molecular biology, Immunology, or related field required.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience required.

Desirable skills:

• PhD strongly preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills;
• Full-time post graduate industry experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
• Proven track record leading complex scientific programs and advancing technologies toward translational or commercial milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor scientists across experimental disciplines.
• Strong foundation in cellular biology, assay development, in vivo studies, PK/PD studies, analytical characterization, or related areas relevant to translational science.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology, with a particular expertise in RNAi, SiRNA, CRISPR/Cas9
• Experience with biologics engineering, biomolecular assay development, or translational evaluation of emerging technologies.
• Knowledge and experience in lipid nanoparticle formulation, microneedle and hydrogel delivery preferred
• Strong background and scientific experience in oncology, immunology, and/or cardiometabolic disease preferred
• Familiarity with multi-omics data, imaging analysis, or predictive modeling is beneficial but not required.
• Ability to integrate diverse scientific approachesexperimental and computationalto inform program strategy.
• Strong record of working with external partners to shape program direction and support high impact collaborations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing, strategic communication, and presenting to senior audiences.
• Demonstrated success in generating impactful intellectual property and contributing to commercialization efforts.

• 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, Occupational Health Screening

Other Information:

Offer contingent on successful completion of medical evaluation

Why youll like working with us:

At the Wyss Institute, youre 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.

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community via this link here: https://us.smrtr.io/4tgM_

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the Universitys Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. 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.