Research Scientist I

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.

The Macosko Lab has developed new technologies for spatial profiling of brain tissue (Slide-seq and Slide-tags) and mapping neuronal projections using molecular barcoding (Synapse-seq). We now seek a highly trained neuroscientist to lead efforts to apply these tools to uncover key principles of nervous system cytoarchitecture. Specific upcoming goals include the construction of a whole-hemisphere atlas of cell types in the human brain, and the mapping of nigrostriatal and corticostriatal projections in the primate brain. A successful candidate must possess a background in neuroscience, genomics and molecular biology, complemented by strong familiarity with rodent and primate neuroanatomy. This scientist will be expected to perform laboratory research and train technical staff (research associates) at the bench, be highly organized, and skilled at leveraging the multidisciplinary expertise within our lab to achieve the project's ambitious goals. A repertoire of bioscience computational data analysis skills is a highly desirable additional attribute. The candidate is expected to become a scientific leader within our laboratory, providing mentorship and support on a range of projects.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Define and oversee standard operating procedures for the anatomical verification of complex human postmortem samples for downstream genomics assays, serving as the subject matter expert for sample integrity
• Drive the design and production of highly diversified viral synaptic barcoding libraries, optimizing protocols for maximum efficiency and specificity in primate models.
• Optimize cutting-edge spatial genomics assays for tracing these viral barcodes alongside gene expression data from primate dopaminergic neurons
• Guide the development and maintenance of high-quality data analysis workflows, collaborating directly with computational scientists to feed pipelines for complex datasets, resulting in robust and specific biological insights
• Train and supervise research associate(s) to assist with bench research and 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 publication(s) demonstrating ability to lead and execute original scientific work
• Post-doctoral experience preferred
• Practical knowledge of neuroanatomy of rodents and primates and molecular biological laboratory techniques
• Leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Comfort working in a highly interdisciplinary, collaborative setting