New

Research Scientist II - Traverso Lab

Broad Institute
paid time off, paid holidays, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Massachusetts, Cambridge
Apr 02, 2026
Description & Requirements The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is seeking a Research Scientist II to join the Laboratory for Translational Engineering (L4TE), led by Giovanni Traverso. This role will focus on stabilization, formulation, and translational development of live biotherapeutic products (LBPs), with applications in neonatal and women's health. Current funded programs include: Development of heat-stable Bifidobacterium infantis formulations for neonatal use in low-resource settings. Stabilization and vaginal delivery optimization of novel Lactobacillus crispatus strains to promote durable microbiome engraftment. The successful candidate will lead experimental strategies to engineer stress-resilient bacterial formulations capable of withstanding temperature, humidity, oxygen exposure, and mechanical stress -while maintaining biological function and manufacturability. This is a translational science position requiring strong biochemical and microbiological expertise, combined with formulation and materials insight. Primary Responsibilities Microbial Stabilization & Extremophile-Inspired Formulation Design and execute iterative excipient screening programs to enhance bacterial viability during lyophilization, spray-drying, and storage. Develop synthetic "extremophile" strategies to enable heat and stress tolerance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. Evaluate protective roles of amino acids, carboxylic acids, sugars, antioxidants, and lipid matrices. Investigate excipient-bacteria interactions at a mechanistic level (membrane integrity, osmotic balance, oxidative stress resistance). Conduct accelerated stability testing (thermal and humidity stress) and interpret viability data rigorously. Delivery System & Translational Development Develop scalable delivery formats including lyophilized powders, spray-dried materials, tablets/capsules, and oleogel-based systems. Characterize physicochemical parameters, including moisture content, glass transition behavior, rheology, and dissolution kinetics. Support preclinical colonization and performance studies in collaboration with in vivo teams. Build reproducible SOPs for scale-up and CDMO transfer. Contribute to manufacturing readiness and regulatory documentation. Scientific Leadership & Data Integration Independently design experiments and refine research strategy based on data. Analyze complex datasets and draw conclusions that guide formulation optimization. Contribute significantly to peer-reviewed publications, patents, and grant reporting. Present results internally and externally. Mentor trainees and junior researchers. Qualifications Required PhD plus 2+ years of relevant experience with demonstrated success designing complex experiments, independently interpreting data, and contributing significantly to publications and funding efforts. PhD in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field. Demonstrated expertise in microbial culture and anaerobic systems. Experience with lyophilization and/or spray-drying of biologics or microbial systems. Strong foundation in biochemical mechanisms underlying cellular stress tolerance. Experience designing iterative screening workflows and optimizing formulations. Track record of peer-reviewed publications. Preferred Direct experience stabilizing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or related organisms. Experience developing formulations that improve viability under high temperature or oxidative stress. Background in peptide/protein stabilization or membrane biophysics. Experience translating laboratory findings toward manufacturable products. Interest in global health deployment and cold-chain-independent technologies. Why This Role Is Unique This position offers the opportunity to: Engineer next-generation microbial formulations capable of withstanding extreme environments. Translate mechanistic biochemical insight into deployable, scalable therapeutic systems. Contribute directly to technologies aimed at reducing neonatal mortality and improving women's health globally. Work within a highly interdisciplinary environment spanning MIT, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and the Broad Institute. About L4TE The Laboratory for Translational Engineering develops advanced drug delivery systems, ingestible and implantable devices, novel biomaterials, and diagnostic platforms. The lab operates at the interface of engineering, biology, and medicine, with a strong emphasis on rapid translation and global impact. The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law. At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits. The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact recruiting@broadinstitute.org for assistance.