Tissue Engineer

Tissue Engineer

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

Job Description

The Bioengineering Division is seeking a Tissue Engineer to support the research and development of cutting-edge technologies. At Draper Bioengineering, we work at the interface between engineering and biology, and the successful applicant will join teams working on micro-physiological systems (organ-on-chip) and other novel systems which blend complex biology with custom hardware and software. The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, observant, collaborative, and dedicated, and will serve as a subject matter expert, applying their foundational immunology knowledge and experience to exciting, interdisciplinary efforts. Draper offers a distinctive environment that blends the best aspects of academia, government, and industry. Our supportive team atmosphere fosters innovation, intellectual creativity, and an emphasis on career development. The available position offers the potential for career growth and opportunities to take on more responsibility over time.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of innovative bioengineering solutions under the guidance of program leadership.
• Collaborate on interdisciplinary teams to conduct research and communicate findings.
• Apply foundational knowledge to contribute to multiple Bioengineering projects with guidance.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements.
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong foundation in biology and/or engineering principles.
• Team player, dedicated, collaborative, observant, and motivated.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills and a passion for innovation.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
• Enthusiasm for learning and participating in mentorship/mentoring.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.

Education

Requires either a Bachelor's Degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics or related fields. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

Requires 0-2 years of Bioengineering or related engineering experience.

Additional Job Description

• Develop, optimize, and characterize mammalian organ-specific micro-physiological (MPS) and organ-on-chip models for toxicity, metabolism, and/or disease‑state studies; models of interest include brain/CNS, liver, kidney, lung, gut, vascular, and immune.
• Apply cell biology, developmental biology, and tissue engineering fundamentals to establish novel cell and tissue models and assays within Draper's in vitro tissue culture systems under a variety of use-case scenarios.
• Plan and conduct in vitro technical experiments with Draper's BSL-2 laboratory using advanced in vitro tissue culture technologies (micro-physiological system; organs-on-chip).
• Culture, maintain, and manipulate human primary cells and tissues in standard in vitro culture systems and within Draper's advanced MPS platform technologies.
• Perform broad suite of molecular, biochemical, and cellular assays (e.g. immunostaining, ELISA, Luminex, flow cytometry, DNA and RNA extraction, qPCR, multi-omics) and biostatical data analysis.
• Acquire brightfield, fluorescent and high-content confocal microscopy data; process and analyze image sets within automated pipelines to extract quantitative biological insights.
• Help support creation, version-control, and maintenance of SOPs and analytical methods that are fully compatible within Draper's platform technologies
• Collect, interpret, summarize, and effectively present data to project team leads via presentations and for publication.
• Work collaboratively with team(s) to execute project plans, and support colleagues at the bench through teamwork; foster a collaborative, safety-first lab culture.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges in partnership with and with guidance from colleagues and project leadership.
• Complete all required training, adhere to institutional, governmental, and safety regulations, and champion an environment of compliance.
• Support day‑to‑day lab organization (reagent sourcing, material preparation, equipment upkeep) to keep the MPS workflow running smoothly.
• Work in face-paced, milestone-driven interdisciplinary environment where multi-tasking is essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven cell & tissue culture expertise: Trained in sterile technique and primary mammalian cell culture, including hands-on experience with primary cells, complex co-culture methods, phenotypic and functional assay implementation and development, and media preparation.
• Technical breadth: Some experience with cell and molecular biology assays and analytical methods (e.g. immunostaining, confocal imaging, DNA / RNA extraction, qPCR, ELISA / Luminex) and biostatistical data analysis; some experience with or exposure to microbiology (viruses, bacteria, toxins), immunology, synthetic biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics/data analytic pipelines, image processing, in silico modeling and/or laboratory automation.
• Advanced in‑vitro system fluency: Experience developing or using advanced in vitro cell and tissue culture platforms (e.g., micro-physiological systems (MPS), organ‑on‑chip) for mammalian cell and tissue culture models.
• Strong communication skills: Ability to communicate with engineers and biologists, project leadership and management; proven experience documenting technical work in laboratory notebooks, data summary presentations and/or technical reports.
• Professional skills: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a dynamic, collaborative and supportive team, as well as independently; demonstrated flexibility to multi-task, adapt to shifting priorities and thrive in a fast-moving environment.
• Education: BS in biology or engineering discipline with 1-2 years of academic or industry R&D experience, or MS in biology or engineering discipline with 2 years of academic or industry R&D experience.

Security Requirement: Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Job Location - City: Cambridge

Job Location - State: Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $62,500.00 - $140,000.00. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.