Associate – Immunology

Harvard University; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University seeks a research-focused professional to study immune system roles in disease biology, including oncology, infections, and autoimmunity. You will present results, contribute to milestones, and design endpoint assays with Luminex, MSD, flow cytometry and qPCR.

The role includes mentoring junior staff and interns, maintaining literature-informed expertise, and documenting observations and SOPs.

Qualifications

• Independent or collaborative research on immune system roles in disease biology.
• Develop and present experimental results and project milestones.
• Design and execute endpoint assays including Luminex, MSD, flow cytometry, and qPCR.
• Mentor trainees and maintain up-to-date knowledge from literature.

Responsibilities

• Independently and/or in a team conduct research in understanding the role of immune system in various disease biology including oncology, infectious diseases, autoimmunity.
• Present and compile experimental results and project updates at internal meetings, and contribute to writing reports and project milestones.
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: Luminex assays, cytokine MSD assays, flow cytometry, viability analysis, imaging, qPCR, neutralizing assay etc., either independently and/or in collaboration with experienced staff members.
• Mentor, or train less experienced team members or academic interns, as needed.
• Maintain a high level of expertise through continuous engagement with scientific literature.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols; write/update standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions to provide project support as needed.

Skills

Research

Team collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Master's degree in biology

Tools

Luminex

Flow cytometry

qPCR

Job description

School Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

Department/Area

Position Description

About the Wyss:
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 this Lab:
Dr. Donald E. Ingber is the Founding Director of the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at Harvard Medical School and the Vascular Biology Program at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Hansjörg Wyss Professor of Biologically Inspired Engineering at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Dr. Ingber is a pioneer in the field of biologically inspired engineering, and at the Wyss Institute, he currently leads scientific and engineering teams that cross a broad range of disciplines to develop breakthrough bioinspired technologies to advance healthcare and to improve sustainability. His work has led to major advances in mechanobiology, cell structure, tumor angiogenesis, tissue engineering, systems biology, nanobiotechnology, and translational medicine. Through his work, Ingber also has helped to break down boundaries between science, art and design. Dr. Girija Goyal is a Directorin the Bioinspired Therapeutics Advanced Technology Team at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University leading three groups in immunology and microbiology as PI or project manager.

• Independently and/or in a team conduct research in understanding the role of immune system in various disease biology including oncology, infectious diseases, autoimmunity.
• Present and compile experimental results and project updates at internal meetings, and contribute to writing reports and project milestones.
• Execute and contribute to the design of endpoint assays including, but not limited to: Luminex assays, cytokine MSD assays, flow cytometry, viability analysis, imaging, qPCR, neutralizing assay etc., either independently and/or in collaboration with experienced staff members.
• Mentor, or train less experienced team members or academic interns, as needed.
• Maintain a high level of expertise through continuous engagement with scientific literature.
• Accurately and thoroughly document experimental observations and protocols; write/update standard operating procedures.
• Collaborate with other teams at the Wyss Institute or in other institutions to provide project support as needed.

Additional Information:

• We encourage candidates to apply by September 9, 2026
• Duration: This is a one-year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension, contingent upon work performance, business need, and continued funding to support the position.

Salary and Benefits:

• With this appointment, you are represented by the Harvard Academic Workers ( HAW ) – UAW for purposes of collective bargaining and matters affecting your compensation and working conditions.
• Access to Harvard’s libraries and research core facilities, as well as support from the Wyss’s in-house Clinical & Translational Research Core and Machine Shop.
• Robust administrative and operational support for office and lab needs.
• Availability of flexible work arrangements for some administrative positions dependent on Institute needs.
• Newly constructed office and laboratory space in Boston’s Fenway District. Our space has multiple amenities which include: roof top terrace, fitness center, locker room, bike storage, and close proximity to numerous restaurants and cultural attractions.

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. 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.

• Master’s degree in biology or related field
• Exceptional organizational, technical writing abilities, and record-keeping skills

Additional Qualifications

• Track record of innovative research in an academic or research setting.
• Prior experience working as a member of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
• Exceptional organizational skills, technical writing ability, and meticulous record-keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Wyss Institute Academic Affairs
[e-mail]

Salary range of $55k-$65k depending on experience.

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.