Postdoctoral Fellow Electrochemical Biosensor Development

Postdoctoral Fellow – Electrochemical Biosensor Development

Harvard University – Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering – School of Medicine

The Wyss Institute’s mission is to transform healthcare and the environment by emulating nature’s ways. Researchers translate groundbreaking technologies into commercial products that solve major problems. This postdoctoral project focuses on developing real‑time electrochemical sensors for continuous, on‑site monitoring of key analytes relevant to environmental and public health, with an emphasis on assay development and integration of diverse measurement methods to detect airborne infectious disease threats.

• Design, fabricate, characterize, and optimize electrochemical biosensing technologies for real‑time detection. Develop and implement novel surface chemistries to improve sensor performance characteristics.
• 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 and 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.

• Apply by October 27, 2025.
• Duration:
  One‑year term from hire date, with possibility of extension contingent on performance, business need, and continued funding.

• Salaried and benefits eligible. Postdoctoral fellow salary determined by years post‑PhD; benefits at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./guidelines
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• Represented by the Harvard Academic Workers (HAW) UAW for collective bargaining and compensation matters.
• Access to Harvard libraries, research core facilities, Wyss in‑house Clinical & Translational Research Core, and Machine Shop.
• Robust administrative and operational support for office and lab needs.
• Flexible work arrangements for some administrative positions dependent on Institute needs.
• Newly constructed office and laboratory space in Boston’s Fenway District with amenities such as rooftop terrace, fitness center, locker room, bike storage, and proximity to restaurants and cultural attractions.

At the Wyss Institute you join a supportive, dynamic community united by a shared goal of changing the world through groundbreaking technology development and commercialization. We encourage professional growth and development through mentorship and tuition reimbursement to support continued learning. Our facility is a new, state‑of‑the‑art life sciences building in the lively Fenway neighborhood with access to amenities and a vibrant campus culture.

We value an inclusive and diverse workforce, believing our differences enrich the work environment for all.

• 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 bifunctionalization strategies and development of nucleic acid/protein assays is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with microfluidics, microfabrication, and integration of sensitive detection methods (electrochemical and/or optical) is a strong plus.
• Ability to…