Research Assistant III - Brain Targeting Program

About the role

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 developability; 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-oriented and excited for translational research, and thrives in a highly collaborative, fast-paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

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, GraphPad Prism, FlowJo) 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

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of renewal.

Standard hours: 35 hours per week.

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Offer contingent on successful completion of pre-placement medical evaluation.

Benefits

• 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.