Job Description

Job Summary:
The Wyss Institute is seeking a highly motivated and innovative Scientist with significant expertise in chemistry, materials or process development to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to the discovery, development, and translation of novel therapies for the treatment of disease.

About us:
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.

About you:
You are a collaborative, team-oriented, and 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 explore your scientific interests and apply your knowledge to tackle ambitious projects in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial-minded environment with resources and support from top-notch scientific, operations, and administrative professionals. 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 an innovative polymer scientist/bioengineer who will work in the design, synthesis, and characterization of a range of materials, including, but not limited to, hydrogels, biopolymers, and nanoparticles with a primary focus on controlled, pulsed or sustained delivery of small molecules or biologics. Reporting to the Platform Director, you will be exposed to many different technologies and clinical challenges where you can apply your skills in therapeutics, diagnostics, biology and materials science. You will have the opportunity to contribute to new product solutions and you may have the unique opportunity to follow your passion either at the Institute or as a member of a Wyss start-up.

What you'll do:
- Formulate, design, invent and develop new material platforms including new delivery technologies. Develop associated manufacturing processes to support pre-clinical and clinical studies
- Collaborate with biological scientists, engineers and clinicians to develop material- based immunotherapies
- Contribute to writing research proposals, grant submissions and patent applications in concert with other team members
- Collaborate with faculty and other researchers on writing manuscripts, abstracts and other publications
- Support external collaboration opportunities with the business development team
- Mentor and train others
- Present research results at Wyss internal and external meetings
- Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, personal accountability and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others

What you'll need:
- Advanced degree in polymer chemistry, bioengineering, chemical engineering, material science.or directly related discipline.
- A minimum of six years of experience in biomaterials engineering and synthesis. A PhD may count towards years of experience.

Desirable Skills:
- PhD is preferred.
- Experience with general regulatory and GMP requirements for material preparation in support of pre-clinical or clinical studies, and IND filing is preferred.
- Product development and manufacturing experience in either industry or other translationally focused experience is preferred.
- Ability to seek out collaborations and manage and mentor others.
- Product design R&D experience.
- Experience with quality management systems and translational operations.
- Demonstrated success in leading and working in cross-functional teams. Excellent documentation, analytical, communication, and inter-personal skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced translational environment and comfortable with change.


Working Conditions:
This position will be based on our campus in Boston, MA and will require on-campus presence. Subject to business needs, the Wyss Institute generally supports flexible work arrangements.



Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage. Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University’s COVID-19 Information Website.

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

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 community will be relocating to a new, state of the art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood in spring 2023, where you will have access to multiple amenities including a roof 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.



Our outstanding benefits package includes:
- Time Off: 3 - 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
- Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
- Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
- Wellness options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
- Facilities access and Discounts: Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.