Principal Research Engineer

The Laboratory for Translational Engineering (L4TE) seeks a Principal Research Engineer I to lead translational device and materials research programs at the Broad Institute. This role emphasizes independent scientific leadership program ownership within defined portfolios direct supervision of research staff and active participation in external funding development.

The individual will lead multidisciplinary research efforts in ingestible and implantable bioelectronic systems advanced materials platforms and translational device addition to hands-on scientific leadership this role includes formal supervisory responsibility and active engagement in
sponsor development and proposal submission.

Core Responsibilities:

Scientific Leadership

Independently design execute and interpret complex experimental programs in ingestible electronics bioelectronic systems and materials engineering.

Lead device system development including firmware sensing integration materials processing and preclinical validation.

Develop scalable experimental workflows and technical infrastructure that support program growth.

Make significant contributions to manuscripts patents and technical disclosures.

Serve as technical lead for defined research workstreams within larger multi-institutional programs.

Grant Development & Sponsor Engagement

Proactively identify federal foundation and industry funding opportunities aligned with programmatic strengths.

Engage sponsors early to shape concepts responsive to programmatic priorities (e.g. DARPA NIH Gates Foundation NASA).

Lead or co-lead preparation and submission of grant proposals including:

• Technical narrative development
• Specific aims and milestone design
• Budget development in coordination with administrative staff
• Integration of multidisciplinary contributions

Contribute to strategic positioning of future proposals by developing preliminary data and concept frameworks.

Participate in sponsor meetings technical reviews and milestone reporting.

Support long-term funding strategy for assigned research programs.

Programmatic & Operational Responsibility

Lead defined research portfolios within larger DARPA and foundation-funded initiatives.

Manage technical milestones deliverables and timelines within assigned scope.

Coordinate cross-functional scientific contributions across MIT BWH and Broad collaborators.

Contribute to sponsor reporting and progress documentation.

People Leadership

Directly supervise research associates engineers and/or junior scientists.

Provide day-to-day technical oversight mentorship and performance feedback.

Participate in hiring onboarding and career development discussions.

Foster a rigorous accountable and collaborative research environment.

This role includes formal direct reports and supervisory responsibilities consistent with a Scientist-level appointment progressing toward Group Leader distinction.

Qualifications

PhD in Electrical Engineering Materials Science Biomedical Engineering Chemical Engineering or related field.

At least 7 years of experience including both Postdoctoral training plus industry R&D experience (or equivalent combined experience).

Demonstrated expertise in device engineering electronics integration materials processing or bioelectronic systems.

Track record of peer-reviewed publications and patent contributions.

Experience contributing to or leading grant submissions.

Experience supervising students engineers or research staff.

Strong written and verbal communication skills for sponsor-facing engagement.

About the Laboratory for Translational Engineering (L4TE)

The Laboratory for Translational Engineering (L4TE) develops cutting-edge technologies to improve human health by merging engineering innovation with medical insight. Located across MIT the Broad Institute and Brigham and Womens Hospital the labs research encompasses ingestible and implantable devices long-acting formulations electroceuticals and machine learningdriven drug development. L4TEs mission is to deliver transformative interventions that address global health challenges through interdisciplinary science and translational excellence.