Job Details

About the Wyss Institute:

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating nature’s designs. It combines the innovation of academia with the focus of industry to translate groundbreaking technologies into commercial products that solve major global challenges. The Institute supports high-risk, high-reward research often overlooked by traditional funders.

About the Role:

The lab of Dr. Don Ingber, Founding Director of the Wyss Institute, seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow with strong expertise in electrochemical biosensor development to advance diagnostic technologies for real-time, on-site monitoring of environmental and public health analytes. The candidate will design, fabricate, and validate cutting-edge biosensing systems that integrate microfluidics and enable the detection of airborne infectious disease threats. Responsibilities include assay development, surface chemistry optimization, and ensuring robust sensor performance with real-world samples. The candidate will also contribute to grant writing, publications, mentoring, and lab operations while working collaboratively with scientists, engineers, and clinicians.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, fabricate, and optimize electrochemical biosensing technologies; develop novel surface chemistries to enhance sensitivity; perform analytical and electrochemical characterization; optimize assays for nucleic acid detection; validate sensor performance using real samples; implement multiplexed detection strategies; maintain detailed experimental records; and support reports, manuscripts, and patent preparation.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Hands-on experience with electrode fabrication, surface modification, sensor integration, and biofunctionalization for nucleic acid or protein assays.

Preferred Skills: Knowledge of microfluidics, microfabrication, and integration of electrochemical/optical detection methods; strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities; motivated, detail-oriented, and collaborative mindset.

Salary & Duration:

Starting salary ranges from $72,000 to $77,500, based on experience. This is a one-year position with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding. The role is benefits-eligible and covered under the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) – UAW agreement.

Benefits & Work Environment:

Access to Harvard libraries, research core facilities, and Wyss’s Clinical & Translational Research Core. Enjoy a state-of-the-art life sciences building in Boston’s Fenway District, featuring a rooftop terrace, fitness center, and proximity to restaurants and cultural attractions. The Wyss Institute fosters a collaborative, inclusive community with opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and tuition reimbursement.

Application Instructions:

Submit a resume, cover letter, list of publications (and up to three papers), and three references to Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu by October 27, 2025.

Keywords:

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

Equal Opportunity Statement:

The Wyss Institute is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.