Research Fellow BWH Neurology

We are seeking a talented Postdoctoral Research Associate with expertise in deriving neuronal cultures from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and/or in CRISPR gene editing technologies in human iPSCs. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will join an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration at the intersection of neurophysiology, human stem cell biology, and network science.

We will address how the genetic change in Rett syndrome, a childhood disorder, leads to altered neural networks and seizures during early development. Using a novel preparation of human cerebral organoids (Giandomenico et al., 2019 Nature Neuroscience), we now have the ability to understand how brain network function is altered at the cellular scale in a human in vitro model of Rett syndrome. This organoid platform will also be used to test novel therapeutic strategies.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

● Work closely with experts in human stem cell to create autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) disease models in human cerebral organoids from patient-derived iPSC lines

● Lead generation and maintenance of human cerebral organoids in our laboratory

● Perform multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings and analyze network activity in the NDD and control human cerebral organoids

● Work closely with team members in our interdisciplinary collaborations on the development and application of methods for human organoids, network recordings and network analysis

● Ensure validity and reliability of all data collected and analyzed

● Keep excellent records of experiments, undertake thorough data analysis and make active contributions to the laboratory research environment

● Write regular internal reports as agreed and draft and/or contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors

● Prepare and present findings at internal group meetings

● Draft publications and/or presentations for scientific journals/conferences

● Contribute to research grant applications

● Provide guidance to staff and students, including training to students and/or other trainees

● Be an active team member and set positive examples for other team members

● Contribute and lead administrative tasks related to research and teaching goals

● Maintain a safe workplace and follow all lab and hospital practices and procedures

● Any other duties commensurate with the post as directed by the PIs

QUALIFICATIONS:

● PhD degree (or about to be awarded at PhD) in one of the following fields: neuroscience, physiology, stem cell biology, molecular or cellular biology, mathematical biology, or bioengineering

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Essential (required):

● A PhD in a relevant field. A MD (or equivalent degree may be considered where the candidate has significant relevant research expertise)

● Research expertise sufficient to work independently:

○ Generation and maintenance of human iPSC-derived neuronal cultures

● Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with other group members

Desirable (not required at time of hiring):

● Research expertise in generation and maintenance of human cerebral organoids

● Research expertise in CRISPR and/or other gene editing technologies for human iPSCs or embryonic stem cells (ESCs)

● Research experience in neurophysiology (i.e., multielectrode array recordings and/or whole-cell patch clamp technique)

● Research experience in computational analysis of network activity

Interpersonal & Communication Skills:

● Superior written and verbal communication skills for working collaboratively, including communicating progress and challenges to PIs

● Rigorous scientific skills for acquiring, analyzing and presenting data

● Excellent time and project management skills

● Ability to make independent decisions and solve routine problems encountered in research projects

● Meticulous record keeping for both experimental procedures and for analysis

● Willingness to adjust working hours in accordance with experimental demands and as necessary for project goals

● Generosity of spirit and willingness to share and help develop skills in others