• Blood Cell Separation and Analysis
• Genomic and Proteomic Analysis of Small Samples
• Development of Living Cell Microarrays
• Development of a Bioartificial Liver

Postdoctoral Fellows

Successful postdoctoral fellows at the BioMEMS Resource Center have two primary, yet seemingly contradictory, characteristics: 1) they thrive in an environment requiring independent thinking and action, and 2) they work well together in teams. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of most of the projects, for which both engineering or biology background is needed, it is important that the fellow’s efforts contribute to and complement the ongoing efforts of others in the immediate research group. Through such collaborative efforts, postdoctoral fellows with expertise in one area would have a chance to learn and acquire complementary sets of skills.

The postdoctoral application process begins with a cover letter, CV, and 3 letters of reference. After an initial review, approximately 30% of applicants are invited for a full day of interviews, during which time they present their prior work and meet with approximately 10 faculty and postdocs throughout the day. Approximately two to three weeks later, the applicant is notified of a decision, and if positive, an appointment can be made within two to three months. About 50% of those interviewed receive offers. Applicants are encouraged, at the time of acceptance, to submit a postdoctoral grant application to NIH and/or other agencies and foundations. Starting salaries are generally $35,000-$36,000 depending on experience, and two-year commitment is required. As is clear from our list of alumni, a significant number of former postdocs and graduate students obtain excellent academic positions. We attribute this primarily to the quality of the applicants. However, team science, complex projects, grant writing and reviewing opportunities, presentation and writing guidance may also play a role.

Graduate Students

Graduate students from Harvard and MIT can pursue their thesis dissertation research at the BioMEMS Resource Center. Much of the benefits and characteristics of the BioMEMS Resource Center experience for postdocs apply to graduate students as well. Residence time for graduate students is about five years from start to finish. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of their projects, many BioMEMS Resource Center graduate students do not require postdocs before obtaining their first job.

Technicians

Outstanding graduates of any science or engineering discipline with a BA, BS, or MS, may apply for a position as a technical assistant. The application includes a cover letter, college transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Technicians at the BioMEMS Resource Center usually spend two to four years working on one or more projects before going on to medical or graduate school. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, and have some prior laboratory experience. A half-day interview is generally required.

To apply, please send cover letter, CV and 3 reference letters to:

Lynne Stubblefield
Center Coordinator
BioMEMS Resource Center
Massachusetts General Hospital
114 16th Street, Room 1239
Charlestown, MA 02129-4404

or via email to: lstubble@sbi.org

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