Principal Scientist

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Wyss Institute at Harvard University?

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 You: 

You are a visionary, strategically minded scientific leader with deep expertise in translational science, therapeutic or diagnostic development, molecular or cellular biology. You thrive in interdisciplinary environments and excel at driving programs from concept to preclinical readiness while shaping strategic direction. You enjoy partnering with research and colleagues to integrate wet-lab insights with advanced analytical methods. You are impact-driven and energized by transforming innovative technologies into real-world solutions. 

About the Role:  

As Principal Scientist you will provide scientific, operational and translational leadership across multiple Artzi-lab initiatives, overseeing multi-disciplinary teams, guiding experimental and technology de-risking for therapeutic and diagnostic innovations. You will also conduct experiments and studies as needed to support ongoing research in the Artzi lab. Reporting to the Senior Director, Translational R&D, and in coordination with Professor Artzi, you will oversee cross-functional teams, mentor scientific staff and collaborate with clinical, industry, and intellectual property partners to accelerate translation while ensuring operational excellence and strategic alignment with the Wyss Institute.   

What You'll Do: 

Natalie Artzi Lab Oversight:

• Directs multiple projects that includes both academic and staff employees, industry sponsors, industry co-development partners, state and federal funding and academic collaborations.
• Guide assay development, molecular or cellular characterization, in vivo studies, and data interpretation to demonstrate feasibility and accelerate technology maturation.
• Drive translational de-risking by shaping key studies, identifying scientific opportunities, and aligning research efforts with program goals.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners on experimental execution, analytical characterization, and cross-functional scientific strategy.
• Partner with intellectual property teams to develop novel and impactful patent filings.
• Apply core Artzi Lab technologies, tools, and scientific approaches, and help integrate them into broader translational strategy.

Program and Team Leadership:

• Manage and mentor a team of post-doctoral students, graduate students, research assistants, and less experienced scientists providing guidance across experimental, and translational domains.
• Responsibilities include: professional development and mentoring, managing, evaluating performance, advocating and motivating.
• Lead cross-functional project teams and ensure that program milestones are met with scientific rigor and strategic clarity.
• Build strong relationships with faculty, clinicians, collaborators, and business development professionals to advance program goals.
• Help forge partnerships with clinicians across Harvard-affiliated hospitals and support integration of patient-derived insights into research and development .

External Engagement and Translation:

• Develop and refine translational strategies that incorporate scientific, computational, regulatory, and commercial considerations.
• Engage with industry partners, clinical collaborators, and philanthropic organizations to position technologies for successful translation.
• Participate in building collaborative opportunities that bring new expertise, datasets, or analytical capabilities into Wyss programs.
• Communicate program updates, risks, and strategic recommendations to senior Wyss leadership and stakeholders.
• Engage with partnering hospitals to leverage patient data and clinical needs to inform scientific strategy.
• Contribute to grant writing and help build relationships with external partners, including companies and foundations.

Individual Scientific Contribution:

• Conduct experiments and studies that support ongoing research in the Artzi Lab. These could include formulation/nanoparticle preparation and related characterization as well in vitro and cell-based experiments, and in vivo and ex vivo studies including biomarker assays.
• Conduct data analysis on all experiments performed and communicate data/results to the larger team;
• Produce high-quality scientific documents, including study protocols, analyses, and reports.
• Support safe and efficient lab operations, recommend equipment purchases, and manage supply procurement as needed

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Computational Biology, or a related field. 12 years of experience in translational research, therapeutic or diagnostic development, or related scientific leadership roles; Education may count towards experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD strongly preferred in Biology, Bioengineering, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Computational Biology or related field.
• Full-time post graduate industry experience with a focus on product development is preferred.
• Proven track record leading complex scientific programs and advancing technologies toward translational or commercial milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and mentor scientific teams across experimental and/or computational disciplines.
• Strong foundation in molecular or cellular biology, assay development, in vivo studies, analytical characterization, or related areas relevant to translational science.
• Experience with computational analysis, biologics engineering, biomolecular assay development, or translational evaluation of emerging technologies.
• Knowledge and experience in oncology and immunology preferred, as is drug discovery experience.
• Familiarity with multi-omics data, imaging analysis, or predictive modeling is beneficial but not required.
• Experience in drug delivery and development of nucleic acid therapeutics is strongly preferred
• Ability to integrate diverse scientific approaches—experimental and computational—to inform program strategy.
• Strong record of working with external partners to shape program direction and support high-impact collaborations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing, strategic communication, and presenting to senior audiences.
• Demonstrated success in generating impactful intellectual property and contributing to commercialization efforts.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal, and Occupational Health Screening, Offer contingent on successful completion of a medical evaluation
• Other Information:

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 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.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 060. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

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.