Postdoctoral Fellow in Biological Engineering

Harvard University

Position Details

Title: Postdoctoral Fellow – Cell and Tissue Engineering and Vascularization
School: Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering

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 Christopher Chen, M.D., Ph.D., William Fairfield Warren Distinguished Professor and Founding Director of the Biological Design Center at Boston University, as well as Core Faculty at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University seeks outstanding postdoctoral applicants with knowledge and expertise encompassing stem cell biology, synthetic biology and genetic engineering, and in vivo engraftment, vascularization, and function.

The project focuses on investigating the development of engineered products to address liver failure. The proposed solution is built on several next generation technologies, including tools to drive inducible pluripotent stem cell differentiation into cells of the liver, immune engineering to allow allogeneic cells to evade immune rejection, and bio fabrication technologies to build engineered constructs.

Learn more about the innovative work led by Dr. Chris Chen here:
https://bdc.bu.edu/bdc-team/.

What you’ll do:

  • Independently conduct research on liver cell proliferation, expansion, and engineering to support engrafting and vascularizing constructs in vitro and in vivo

  • Characterize the comparative hepatobiology of iPS-derived liver cells

  • Present experimental results and project updates at both internal and external meetings

  • Contribute to recommendations on next steps for experiments while also taking an active role overall in program strategy and alignment with the sponsor’s contractual requirements

  • Work closely with a collaborative multi-disciplinary team of scientists, engineers, and technical staff

  • Maintain comprehensive and accurate records of experimental procedures, results, and analysis

  • Support project reports, manuscripts, and patent application preparation

Additional Information

  • We encourage candidates to apply by February 6, 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.

Basic Qualifications

What you’ll Need:

  • Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, Stem Cell Biology, or similar with a track record of research in cellular engineering

  • Ability to work in an independent manner and meet specific goals and milestones, but serve as part of large collaborative interdisciplinary team

  • Extensive experience with stem cells, design and implementation of genetically engineered constructs, cell-based implantation, and rodent models

Additional Qualifications

Desirable Skills:

  • Exceptional organizational, technical writing abilities, and record-keeping skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Highly motivated, detail-oriented, organized, and able to take initiative

Special Instructions

Applications should contain:

  • A complete resume

  • Cover letter describing research interests and goals

  • Full list of publications, and copies of up to three relevant scientific papers

  • A document uploaded with names and contact information of three references (who will be expected to provide letters of recommendation)

Contact Information

Wyss Institute Academic Affairs
Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu

Salary Range

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

Keywords

Wyss Institute, Bioengineering, Bio fabrication, Biotechnology, Stem Cell Biology, Vivo Engraftment

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

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Cover Letter

  • Publication

  • List of References

Optional Documents

  • Publication 2

  • Publication 3

  • Other

Apply