Postdoctoral Fellow – PKPD Modelling, Lung-on-Chip

Harvard University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 77,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Access to Wyss facilities in Fenway/Ft

Job summary

The Wyss Institute at Harvard University invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow to advance translational lung biology using human Lung Organ Chips. The role focuses on cancer biology, infectious disease, and lung physiology within an interdisciplinary biology-engineering team.

The successful candidate will design experiments, analyze complex datasets, contribute to grants and manuscripts, and mentor lab members.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. in a relevant field with a strong publication record.
• Experience with human samples (primary cells, clinical biospecimens) is preferred.
• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques and cell-based assays.

Responsibilities

• Independently design and execute experiments using lung cancer and lung infection Organ Chips.
• Develop, optimize, and characterize human lung microphysiological models for translational studies.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets (imaging, molecular, functional readouts).
• Present results at internal meetings and inform next steps.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to align chip studies with translational goals.

Skills

Lung biology

Cancer biology

Immunology

Infectious disease

Organ Chips

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Cell-based assays

Independent and collaborative work

Scientific communication

Education

Ph.D. or M.D. in a relevant field

Tools

Organ Chips

Job description

School

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 Role:
The lab of Don Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., Founding Director at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University seeks outstanding postdoctoral applicants with expertise in lung biology, cancer biology, and/or infectious disease to join an interdisciplinary team of biologists and engineers using human Lung Organ Chips to study lung cancer progression, tumor-immune interactions, and respiratory infections in a clinically relevant context.

In addition to carrying out translational research with these microphysiological models, the successful candidate will be expected to apply for fellowship funding, contribute to the writing of grants and manuscripts, participate in teaching and mentoring of lab members as needed, and otherwise contribute to overall lab operations. The applicant will be a collaborative, impact-focused problem solver who wants to be part of a dynamic team.

• Independently design and execute experiments using lung cancer and lung infection Organ Chips.
• Develop, optimize, and characterize human lung microphysiological models for translational studies.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets (e.g., imaging, molecular, functional readouts) and clearly communicate findings.
• Present experimental results and project updates at internal meetings and contribute to data-driven decisions on next steps.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team (biologists, engineers, clinicians) to align chip studies with translational goals.
• Maintain a high level of expertise in lung biology, cancer, infectious disease, and organ-on-chip technologies through engagement with the scientific literature.
• Mentor, or train junior team members or academic interns, as needed.

Additional Information:

• We encourage candidates to apply by April 20, 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:

• This position is salaried and benefits eligible. Information regarding postdoctoral fellow salary, which is determined by the number of years post PhD, and benefits can be found at https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/guidelines .
• 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.

• Ph.D. and/or M.D. in a relevant field (e.g., lung biology, cancer biology, immunology, infectious disease, biomedical engineering) with a proven record of high-quality publications in lung biology or related areas.
• Experience working with human samples (e.g., primary cells, patient-derived material, or clinical biospecimens).
• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with cell-based assays and mammalian cell culture.
• Strong interest in and commitment to working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet project goals and milestones, and function effectively as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

• Track record of innovative research in an academic or research setting.
• Experience with microphysiological systems (e.g., Organ Chips) and/or organoids strongly preferred.
• 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.

Contact Information

Wyss Institute Academic Affairs
[e-mail]

Contact Email

Salary Range

Starting Salary of $72,000 to $ 77,500 depending on experience

Minimum Number of References Required

Maximum Number of References Allowed

Keywords

Wyss Institute, Electrochemical Biosensor Development, Bioengineering, Airborne Infectious Disease

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.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• How did you hear about this position?
  • Academic Careers online
  • Bay State Banner
  • Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Harvard Department Website
  • Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC)
  • HigherEdJobs
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • Nomination Letter
  • Professional Conference
  • Professional Organization or Listserv
  • Referred by a colleague
• Do you hold a doctoral degree?
  • Yes
  • No
• Are you authorized to work in the United States?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you require immediate sponsorship for employment visa status?
  • Yes
  • No
• Do you require future sponsorship for employment visa status?
  • Yes
  • No