The Vallabh/Minikel lab at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard seeks an independent Research Scientist II motivated to impact human health by driving multiple projects of therapeutic and translational importance. This initiative is led by Dr. Sonia Vallabh and Dr. Eric Minikel, who became scientists in response to Sonia’s own genetic test report. The goal of our work is to discover, develop, characterize and advance effective treatments for prion disease, a rapidly fatal and currently incurable neurodegenerative disease. You can read more about our mission here: http://www.vallabhminikel.org/
There are a number of projects in the lab for which an incoming Research Scientist II could serve as champion. Many revolve around characterization of drug activity in cell culture or in the rodent brain. In vitro studies will require the ability to deeply characterize on and off target effects. In vivo experiments will require both deep pharmacological characterization of drug distribution and activity and proof-of-concept efficacy studies in disease models. The results should inform and enable the near-term development of human therapeutics
for a currently untreatable disease. All projects will be highly collaborative and will require skillful coordination and communication within and beyond the lab.
The position will require several skill sets, many of which can be learned on the job, but the ideal candidate will come with experience in at least a few of the following areas: protein engineering; live animal handling and surgery; tissue harvest, preparation, dissection and staining; immunohistochemistry (IHC); tissue culture, immunofluorescence (IF), cloning, and transfection; quantifying RNA and protein (ddPCR, qPCR, ELISA, Western blots), production and characterization of recombinant protein.
Experience mentoring junior scientists and applying for funding are a plus.
A background in neuroscience, molecular biology and/or chemical biology will be extremely helpful.
The successful candidate will be able to take leadership of projects in a largely self-directed environment and will be ready to supervise a research assistant and to effectively manage relationships with vivarium staff, industry collaborators, contract research organizations, and other academic groups. A keen eye for statistical rigor is essential, and proficiency in data analysis is a plus.
REQUIREMENTS