Research Scientist I - Macosko Lab

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is one of the world's leading biomedical research institutes. It seeks to discover the molecular basis of major human diseases, develop effective new approaches to diagnostics and therapeutics, and disseminate discoveries, tools, methods, and data openly to the entire scientific community. Founded in 2004, the Broad Institute includes faculty, professional staff, and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities, with collaborations spanning the globe.

We are seeking a staff scientist to direct an exciting project to apply our virally based synaptic barcoding technology, Synapse-seq, to study primate dopaminergic neuron projections. The project will deliver spatially resolved, single-cell-resolution projection patterns of midbrain dopaminergic neurons to targets across the brain. The candidate should have a background in neuroscience and genomics, with strong knowledge of molecular biology. A successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the project, from virus production to data analysis and interpretation. The scientist will need to be highly self-motivated, organized, and able to leverage the multidisciplinary expertise within our lab and collaborating groups to achieve the project's ambitious goals.

Job responsibilities

• Develop optimal strategies for producing highly diversified viral synaptic barcoding libraries for use in a primate model
• Develop and perform cutting-edge spatial genomics assays for ascertaining viral barcodes alongside gene expression data from primate dopaminergic neurons
• Supervise research associates to assist with data collection
• Participate in BRAIN initiative consortium working groups related to the project

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant biological discipline--including some direct experience in experimental and computational genomics--with first authorship publications demonstrating ability to lead and execute original scientific work
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Comfort working in a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative setting