Research Scientist

Job Description

RESEARCH SCIENTIST, DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF TOOLS FOR BIOPROSPECTING, PROTEIN ENGINEERING AND HIGH-THROUGHPUT MOLECULAR PHENOTYPING,McGovern Institute for Brain Research-Synthetic Neurobiology/Boyden Lab , to join a lab that develops new molecular tools for the analysis and control of complex biological systems, such as the brain. To identify and improve such molecular tools, the group is developing a collection of novel technologies for discovering, characterizing, and engineering tools based on gene products from natural environments. It is a highly collaborative project that combines metagenomics, microscopy, flow cytometry, protein engineering, short- and long-read sequencing technologies, machine learning, molecular biology, and genetic assay development.  Will help co-lead the development of these novel methods in collaboration with others in the group. Responsibilities include isolating genes from specimens, developing and applying molecular biology strategies to create libraries of such genes as well as mutated versions thereof, developing and applying molecular phenotyping assays, and applying standard methods (e.g., next-gen sequencing, microscopy, FACS, cell culture methods) to the characterization of these genes and gene products; analyzing the data and documenting and managing experimental protocols and data; helping prepare manuscripts and grants; and recognizing problems or situations that are new and troubleshooting, inventing, or finding solutions.  

Job Requirements

REQUIRED:  Ph.D. in bioengineering, biology, engineering, or related field; at least four years of experience in experimental biology lab work, including molecular biology; experience developing new biological protocols and techniques; excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, documentation, planning, and time-management skills; and ability to work independently and with a team.  PREFERRED: experience with mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning, bioinformatics, microscopy, nucleic acid sequencing experimentation and data analysis, flow cytometry, and immunostaining; and experience with protein engineering and ecological/environmental or metagenomic projects.  Job #23147

This appointment is for one year with the possibility of extension based on funding and course of research.

8/31/23