Harvard University
Title: Postdoctoral Fellow - Electrochemical Biosensor Development
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 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 and knowledge of electrochemical biosensor development to join our team in advancing new diagnostic technologies.
This project focuses on developing real-time electrochemical sensors for continuous, on-site monitoring of key analytes relevant to environmental and public health. This position will play a critical role in designing, fabricating, and validating cutting-edge biosensing technologies, with an emphasis on assay development and integration of diverse measurement methods for detecting airborne infectious disease threats. A critical aspect of your role will be ensuring robust, sensitive sensor performance with real-world samples, and effectively integrating them with microfluidics as a standalone device. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills, contribute to assay development, and intellectually contribute to projects within a collaborative team at the Institute.
In addition to carrying out research, 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.
Learn more about the innovative work led by Dr. Don Ingber here: https://wyss.harvard.edu/technology/human-organs-on-chips/.
What you'll do:
- Design, fabricate, characterize, and optimize electrochemical biosensing technologies for real-time detection. Develop and implement novel surface chemistries to improve sensor performance characteristics. Perform systemic characterization using analytical and electrochemical techniques to ensure optimal sensor performance.
- Develop and optimize robust electrochemical assays, particularly for nucleic acid detection. Conduct reagent screening, selection, and validation processes to ensure compatibility with sensor surface chemistry as well as achieve high sensitivity and selectivity with real samples.
- Design and implement strategies for multiplexed detection, enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes from small sample volume; optimize sensor design and assay for high throughput analysis.
- Assess and validate sensor performance with real samples; ensure data reliability and reproducibility. Develop strategies to address matrix effects and potential interferences.
- 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.
- Under staff supervision, present findings, document meeting discussions, and contribute to data interpretation at Wyss Institute meetings.
- Assist in organizing lab activities and events.
Additional Information: - We encourage candidates to apply by October 27, 2025
- 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.
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Basic Qualifications: What you'll Need: - Ph.D. in Chemistry, Bioengineering, Materials Science, Analytical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- Extensive hands-on experience in electrochemical biosensor development, including electrode fabrication, surface modification, and sensor integration.
- Proficiency in the biofunctionalization strategies and development of nucleic acid/protein assays is highly desirable.
Additional Qualifications: Desirable Skills: - Familiarity with microfluidics, microfabrication, and integration of sensitive detection methods (electrochemical and/or optical) is a strong plus.
- Ability to work well independently and to collaborate with a multidisciplinary group is essential.
- Good written and oral communication skills are essential.
- 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.
- Names and contact information of three references (expected to provide letters of recommendation).
Contact Information: Wyss Institute Academic Affairs
Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu
Contact Email: Academic.Affairs@wyss.harvard.edu
Keywords: Wyss Institute, Electrochemical Biosensor Development, Bioengineering, Airborne Infectious Disease
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?
- Are you authorized to work in the United States?
- Do you require immediate sponsorship for employment visa status?
- Do you require future sponsorship for employment visa status?
Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
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