Senior Cell Biologist, Tissue Engineer

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

The Bioengineering Division is seeking a Senior Cell Biologist, Tissue Engineer, to support the research and development of cutting-edge technologies. At Draper Bioengineering, we work at the interface between engineering and biology, and the successful applicant will join teams working on Microphysiological systems (organ-on-chip) and other novel systems which blend complex biology with custom hardware and software. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, observant, collaborative, and dedicated, and will serve as a subject matter expert, applying their foundational immunology knowledge and experience to exciting, interdisciplinary efforts.

Draper offers a distinctive environment that blends the best aspects of academia, government, and industry. Our supportive team atmosphere fosters innovation, intellectual creativity, and an emphasis on career development. The available position offers the potential for career growth and opportunities to take on more responsibility over time.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction.
• Contribute to the development of innovative bioengineering solutions, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes.
• Actively mentor less experienced bioengineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities
• Strong foundation in biology and/or engineering principles.
• Team player, dedicated, collaborative, observant, and motivated.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Enthusiasm for learning and participating in mentorship/mentoring.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.

Education
A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or related fields is required, a PhD is preferred.

Experience
Requires 5-7 years of Bioengineering or related engineering experience.

Additional Job Description:

• Apply cell biology, developmental biology, and tissue engineering fundamentals to establish novel cell and tissue models and assays within Draper’s in vitro tissue culture systems under different contexts of use

• Plan, conduct, and lead technical experiments with Draper’s advanced in vitro tissue culture technologies (microphysiological system or organs-on-chip) in Draper's biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) laboratory
• Culture, maintain, and manipulate human primary cells and tissues in standard in vitro culture systems and within Draper’s advanced MPS platform technologies
• Perform a variety of standard molecular, biochemical, cellular, and analytical assays (e.g. immunostaining, ELISA, Luminex, qPCR)
• Conduct brightfield, fluorescent and high-content confocal microscopy, collect and analyze image datasets, and extract meaningful biological insights from images using image analysis
• Help create, document, maintain and execute experimental protocols (SOPs) and analytical methods to be compatible with Draper’s platform technologies
• Collect, interpret, summarize, and effectively present data to project team leads, internal management, and external sponsors/customers via presentations and for publication
• Work collaboratively with team(s) to execute project plans, and mentor and support colleagues at the bench through teamwork
• Troubleshoot experimental work in coordination with colleagues and project leadership
• Complete all necessary training, adhere to all laboratory, institutional, and government regulations, and contribute to an environment of safety and compliance
• Support business development efforts through technical ideation, proposal writing, and customer outreach as needed
• Support lab organization and maintenance as needed, such as sourcing and preparation of reagents and materials

Preferred qualifications:

• PhD in biology or engineering discipline with 0-3 years of post-doctoral or industry experience in a laboratory/R&D setting, or MS in biology or engineering discipline with at least 5 years of industry experience in a laboratory/R&D setting
• Experience developing and implementing advanced mammalian tissue models, specifically liver, kidney, immune, neural, or cardiac tissues
• Experience with primary mammalian cell and tissue culture, including complex multi-cell type co-cultures, organoid cultures, stem cell or iPSC cultures, and isolating, differentiating, and/or phenotypically and functionally characterizing mammalian cells
• Experience with advanced in vitro cell and tissue culture systems, including microfluidic devices, microphysiological systems (MPS), and/or organ-on-chip (OoC) technologies
• Experience with a variety of cell and molecular biology assays and methods, such as immunostaining, confocal imaging, image processing, ELISA / Luminex, flow cytometry / FACS, DNA / RNA extraction, qPCR, and multi-omics (e.g. transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), and biostatistical data analyses
• Some experience with microbiology (viruses, bacteria, toxins), immunology, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics and data analytics, in silico modeling and / or laboratory automation
• Some experience writing innovative R&D proposals for government sponsors (contracts, grants)
• Ability to work independently in a collaborative environment and to communicate with engineers, biologists, management, and key stakeholders
• Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Will be required to be onsite in Cambridge, MA.

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Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$82,300.00 - $205,750.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.  Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.