Postdoctoral Fellow - PKPD Modelling, Lung-on-Chip

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 in lung biology, cancer biology, and/or infectious disease to join an interdisciplinary team of biologists and engineers using human Lung Organ Chips to study lung cancer progression, tumor-immune interactions, and respiratory infections in a clinically relevant context.

In addition to carrying out translational research with these microphysiological models, 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:

What you'll do:

• Independently design and execute experiments using lung cancer and lung infection Organ Chips.
• Develop, optimize, and characterize human lung microphysiological models for translational studies.
• Analyze and interpret complex datasets (e.g., imaging, molecular, functional readouts) and clearly communicate findings.
• Present experimental results and project updates at internal meetings and contribute to data-driven decisions on next steps.
• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team (biologists, engineers, clinicians) to align chip studies with translational goals.
• Maintain a high level of expertise in lung biology, cancer, infectious disease, and organ-on-chip technologies through engagement with the scientific literature.
• Mentor, or train junior team members or academic interns, as needed.

Additional Information:

• We encourage candidates to apply by April 20, 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 .
• 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. and/or M.D. in a relevant field (e.g., lung biology, cancer biology, immunology, infectious disease, biomedical engineering) with a proven record of high-quality publications in lung biology or related areas.
• Experience working with human samples (e.g., primary cells, patient-derived material, or clinical biospecimens).
• Hands-on experience with core molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with cell-based assays and mammalian cell culture.
• Strong interest in and commitment to working within multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, meet project goals and milestones, and function effectively as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.

Additional Qualifications

Desirable Skills:

• Track record of innovative research in an academic or research setting.
• Experience with microphysiological systems (e.g., Organ Chips) and/or organoids strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working as a member of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
• Exceptional organizational skills, technical writing ability, and meticulous record-keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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 (expected to provide letters of recommendation).

Contact Information

Wyss Institute Academic Affairs
[email protected]

Contact Email: [email protected]

Salary Range

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

Keywords

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